Just two days after the Detroit Lions fell to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, the NFL issued significant financial penalties to two key members of Detroit’s defense.

Although the announcements came following the loss to Green Bay, the discipline stems from Detroit’s previous matchup against the New York Giants on November 23, played on a short turnaround week.

Safety Brian Branch received the largest fine — $23,186 — for unnecessary roughness involving a hit on what the league described as a defenseless receiver, according to the Office of Game-Day Accountability. This isn’t Branch’s first run-in with league discipline in 2025; he was earlier suspended one game for sparking a postgame fight with Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster in October.

Linebacker Jack Campbell was also docked $17,389 for unnecessary roughness, specifically for a hip-drop tackle. Offensive tackle Dan Skipper faced a smaller, $6,917 fine for taunting, classified as unsportsmanlike conduct.

Any additional penalties from the Thanksgiving game will be released by the league on Saturday, December 6, should they occur.

Detroit Hit With More Bad News: Frank Ragnow Unable to Return

The Lions were dealt another setback Saturday when they announced that former All-Pro center Frank Ragnow—who had hoped to come out of retirement—would not be able to rejoin the team after failing his physical.

According to the team’s statement, Ragnow reported to the practice facility and went through standard meetings before his medical evaluation revealed a Grade 3 hamstring tear, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season.

Because of the injury, Detroit confirmed that Ragnow’s return is no longer possible.

Ragnow’s comeback would have provided a major boost to a battered Lions offensive line that has dealt with injuries throughout the year. Though Pro Football Focus ranked Detroit’s line 10th entering Week 13, current center Graham Glasgow — whom Ragnow was expected to replace — has been the unit’s weak point.

Analyst Zoltan Buday noted that Detroit surrendered six pressures and two sacks on 43 passing plays against the Giants but still managed a strong 90.7 pass-blocking efficiency grade. Glasgow, however, earned a team-worst 46.4 pass-blocking score and has allowed quarterback knockdowns at one of the highest rates among NFL centers

Ragnow’s original retirement shocked many around the league, as he is only 29 years old and had earned three straight Pro Bowl selections and back-to-back All-Pro honors before stepping away.

Lions’ Playoff Outlook Worsens Following Thanksgiving Defeat

The Lions’ 31-24 loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving not only dropped Detroit to 7-5, but also exposed serious issues in pass protection. Detroit allowed seven hits and three sacks on quarterback Jared Goff throughout the game.

The NFC North race now heats up as the Packers (8-3-1) battle the division-leading Bears (9-3) next week. The winner will control the division heading into the final four games.

Detroit, which had claimed the NFC North title in each of the past two seasons, now faces an uphill battle just to secure a postseason berth in what has be