Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch got hit with a $23,882 fine this week for “use of the helmet” after that 20-17 win against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 25, 2026. What’s wild is this was actually his first game back since tearing his Achilles last December. Talk about an immediate welcome back from the league office, right?
Not His First Rodeo With The League Office
Even though this $23,882 fine was his first this season for that specific violation, Branch has been in the league’s crosshairs way more than that. According to Spotrac, the guy has been fined a whopping 15 times before this. Five of those previous fines involved an impermissible use of his helmet, and two more were for hitting a defenseless receiver. And it’s not just fines; Branch has been ejected or suspended twice already. He got ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Packers back in 2024, and then he was suspended for a whole week after throwing punches at Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after a game. This dude definitely has a history, plain and simple.
Unleashing Branch Against The Vikings
His return against the Packers after that December Achilles tear saw him playing a limited role. But you know Lions coach Dan Campbell isn’t holding back. Campbell said on Friday that Branch is ready to go full throttle this coming Sunday against the Vikings. “Now he’s ready. So yes, there are no limitations on him going into this game,” Campbell said. Sounds like they’re ready to unleash him, fine or no fine.
Week 7 Wasn’t Cheap For Everyone
Branch wasn’t the only one getting dinged from that Week 7 game, though. Derrick Barnes also got fined for a late hit that was flagged during the game. And get this, even though the Lions celebrated super loud after a Packers offsides penalty, none of their guys got popped for taunting. That’s a win, kinda. But Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse? Yeah, he got fined for taunting. So, the league was definitely keeping an eye on things.
So, the Lions are rolling into their Sunday game against the Vikings with Branch finally back at 100% and ready to make an impact. Even if it means emptying his wallet a bit, the team needs him out there. Gotta see if he can stay out of the league’s crosshairs while helping his team keep that momentum going after that big win.
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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