Two Detroit Lions players have been hit with fines following their Week 6 battle against the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL has issued penalties to linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive tackle Tyler Lacy for their conduct during the game, with Anzalone fined $12,172 and Lacy fined $5,722 for actions classified as striking and tripping violations.

Brian Branch’s Suspension

In a harsher ruling, safety Brian Branch will miss the Lions’ next game on Monday after being suspended for his involvement in a postgame confrontation with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. The incident occurred late in the contest when Branch was shoved from behind. Frustrated, he confronted Smith-Schuster and delivered an open-handed punch, sparking an on-field altercation. Smith-Schuster ended up with a bloody nose, and both Branch and head coach Dan Campbell apologized following the game.

Branch’s absence will loom large, particularly with the Lions heading into their bye week afterward. He is expected to make his return in Week 9 when Detroit takes on the Minnesota Vikings.

The altercation has drawn major attention, putting Branch under scrutiny for his actions. A critical NFL video about the incident has circulated online, with analysts across the league weighing in. Nevertheless, the Lions have united around Branch, reinforcing their commitment to team unity. Campbell stressed the importance of standing by one another during tough moments.

“That’s who our guys are, man. We push through adversity, and that’s their brother. If someone comes after their brother, they’re gonna respond,” Campbell said. He added that Branch—known in the locker room as “B.B.”—is an essential part of their close-knit roster and will recover from this setback.

Learning and Growth

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard also defended Branch, describing the situation as an opportunity for personal growth. He praised Branch’s character off the field, calling him “one of the most soft-spoken guys you’ll ever meet.” Sheppard emphasized the lasting impact of being judged by a single emotional reaction, cautioning players about how quickly public perception can shift.

“One bad moment can label you as someone you’re not,” Sheppard said. “He realizes that more than anyone right now, and he’ll grow and learn from it.”

With Branch sidelined and uncertainty surrounding safety Kerby Joseph’s health, the Lions may need Thomas Harper and recently signed Jammie Robinson to step up in the defensive backfield. As Detroit gears up for the coming stretch, the team will aim to keep its focus and momentum strong in the competitive NFC North.