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The Detroit Lions (3-2) reportedly plan to activate star safety Brian Branch ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers (4-2), setting up his long-awaited return from a torn Achilles.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared the development Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter, while reposting a hype video released by Detroit.
“Lions plan to activate safety Brian Branch, who returns nearly 11 months from his Achilles tear. He’s set to make his season debut Sunday vs Packers,” Fowler wrote.
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Branch has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles during Detroit’s Week 14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 4, 2025. The injury occurred while he attempted to break up a pass in the end zone.
The 25-year-old subsequently missed the remainder of the 2025 campaign and began the 2026 season on the physically unable to perform list.
Lions plan to activate safety Brian Branch, who returns nearly 11 months from his Achilles tear.
He’s set to make his season debut Sunday vs Packers. pic.twitter.com/E72oKVcICd
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 24, 2026
Brian Branch’s return provides major boost to Lions’ secondary
Before suffering the injury, Branch appeared in 12 games last season, recording 75 total tackles, including five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, nine passes defended and one forced fumble.
Branch’s return provides Detroit with a significant reinforcement in its secondary as the team prepares for an important NFC North matchup.
The former Alabama standout earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 after recording 109 tackles, four interceptions and 16 passes defended across 16 games.
Detroit also appears prepared to give Branch a substantial workload in his season debut, with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard indicating the team does not plan to impose a strict snap count.
The Lions will look to improve to 4-2 when they host the Packers on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
Related: Lions’ Dan Campbell accuses reporters of making Sam LaPorta situation a ‘distraction’