Debate: Who must elevate their play for the Lions after Brian Branch’s injury?
Which Detroit Lions player needs to elevate their game with Brian Branch sidelined?
Discussion: Identifying who must rise to the occasion after Branch’s season-ending injury
Detroit’s impressive victory over the Dallas Cowboys came with a major setback: Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles. According to multiple national insiders, his injury will keep him out for the remainder of this season and could spill over into early 2026. Losing Branch is a massive hit to the Lions’ defense—not only because of his high level of play, but because his unique versatility gives Detroit schematic flexibility few teams possess.
Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized last month how Branch, alongside linebackers Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone, enables Detroit to run defensive concepts that other teams can’t replicate.
> “Among all our standout players—and we have quite a few who contribute in different ways—Branch, Barnes, and Anzalone give us something special,” Campbell said. “Their versatility, intelligence, instincts, and ability to cover, rush, and stop the run let us operate out of base defense in ways most teams aren’t able to.”
Detroit now finds itself thin at the safety position. The availability of Kerby Joseph—who has been out for two months with a knee issue—and Thomas Harper—who exited Thursday’s game with a concussion—remains uncertain. If neither can play, the Lions will have to lean heavily on Avonte Maddox and Daniel Thomas from the active roster, along with practice-squad options Erick Hallett and Loren Strickland.
However, replacing Branch isn’t as simple as plugging in another safety. His absence could force a broad shift in how the Lions structure their defense, potentially redistributing responsibilities across multiple positions and players.
Today’s Question of the Day:
Who needs to elevate their role on the Lions defense now that Brian Branch is gone?During our Movember charity livestream on Saturday, I talked with several Lions beat reporters about this very topic, and the range of answers was both insightful and extensive.
