Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch is on the verge of returning to practice this week, a massive lift for the Detroit Lions’ struggling secondary. Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Monday that while Branch still needs to clear his final medical tests, the expectation is for him to be back on the field Wednesday, kicking off his 21-day evaluation window. “We have not gotten confirmation from the doctor yet. That’s the only thing we’re waiting for on Branch,” Campbell said. “I think it looks really good that he’s going to practice this week.”
The Secondary Is Getting Its Spark Back
Branch’s return could not come at a better time, seriously. He’s been rehabbing a torn Achilles since early December, and his absence has been felt big time. The Lions’ secondary has been in a rough spot, especially at safety. They’re already without Avonte Maddox for the season (IR), Thomas Harper (IR), and Kerby Joseph (PUP). That’s forced them to start 31-year-old Chuck Clark and Christian Izien, who spent most of training camp lining up at nickel cornerback. Getting Branch back, even if it’s just for practice initially, is a huge shot in the arm for a unit that’s been desperate for some stability. Don’t expect him to suit up this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals though. Detroit usually gives players coming off long-term injuries at least a couple weeks of practice before throwing them into game action. That means we’re probably looking at Branch’s game debut coming after Detroit’s bye, in Week 7 against the Packers.
Not All News Is Good News for the Defense
While Branch’s update is huge, Coach Campbell had less positive news on a couple of other key defenders. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, isn’t looking good. “I don’t think Rock looks good right now,” Campbell admitted. Ya-Sin has dropped on the depth chart, now at CB4 or CB5, and only played nine special teams snaps on Sunday. Still, with questionable depth already at cornerback, losing him makes that position even thinner. We might see someone like Nick Whiteside get called up from the practice squad.
Then there’s defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. He was spotted in a walking boot after the game, which is never what you want to see. Williams told reporters he’s fine, but Campbell sounded a bit more cautious, labeling him “touch-and-go” and “day-to-day.” That’s a concern because Williams has been balling out in his second NFL season, making plays as both a run defender and a pass rusher. Through four games, he’s put up 14 tackles, 1 QB hit, and eight pressures, according to PFF. We’ll definitely be looking for more info on both Ya-Sin and Williams when the team gets back to practice on Wednesday.
So, it’s a mixed bag of news for the Lions defense, but Branch’s imminent return is the headline. Keep an eye out for updates this week as they prep for the Cardinals, hoping to get some clarity on who’s in and who’s out.
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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