Big news just dropped for Week 7, with safety Brian Branch officially activated from the PUP list after that Achilles injury. This is massive, getting one of the playmakers back in the defensive secondary just in time for a huge division showdown. His return is exactly what the defense needs.
Key Returns Shake Up the Lineup
Branch isn’t the only critical piece returning to the field. On the offensive line, Cade Mays is also back in action, activated from injured reserve after a wrist injury. He’s immediately projected to start at center, which is a huge boost for the interior of the O-line. Getting key starters back, especially against a division rival, can’t be overstated. And let’s not forget the team also signed DeAndre Carter to the active roster this week, adding him to the wide receiver corps and putting him down as a punt returner. That’s some fresh talent in key spots.
Navigating a Banged-Up Roster
While we’re celebrating some big returns, the injury list is still a tough read. Running back Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve with an MCL strain and a back injury, and he isn’t expected back until December. That’s a huge blow to the backfield depth. Wide receiver Tom Kennedy is also done for the season with an MCL injury, another tough break for the receiving unit.
The offensive line still has some dents, too: Ben Bartch is on injured reserve with a foot injury, and Giovanni Manu is dealing with an undisclosed non-football injury. On the defensive side, linebacker Devin White is on injured reserve with an arm injury, and safety Thomas Harper is out with an ankle injury, also on IR. Safety Kerby Joseph is on the PUP list, eligible to return, but not quite ready yet. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin is dealing with a hamstring, but it’s important to note he isn’t listed with an official injury designation, so we’ll be watching that one closely.
Week 7 Showdown Against the Packers
As we gear up for Week 7, the projected starters are locked in for the Green Bay Packers game. Jared Goff is under center, with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the running back committee. Out wide, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are the top targets, with Sam LaPorta at tight end. The offensive line looks strong with Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, the returning Cade Mays, Tate Ratledge, and rookie Blake Miller.
Defensively, it’s Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams anchoring the interior, with Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, and Tyler Lacy bringing the heat off the edge. Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez hold down the linebacker spots. In the secondary, D.J. Reed, Roger McCreary, and Ennis Rakestraw are at corner, and our man Brian Branch is back at safety, alongside rookie Keith Abney and Chuck Clark.
On special teams, Jack Fox is handling punts and holding, with Jake Bates on kickoffs and field goals. DeAndre Carter takes over punt return duties. This Week 7 matchup against a division rival like the Packers is always a huge one, and getting Branch and Mays back feels like the exact shot in the arm this team needed to face it head-on. Let’s get it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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