Branch was forced out of the Lions’ Week 3 victory against the Arizona Cardinals due to a helmet-to-helmet collision with tight end Trey McBride, which led to his entry into the concussion protocol along with a neck injury.
On Saturday, Branch learned he would be fined for the incident and for another hit earlier in the game. According to reporter John Maakaron from SI.
“He entered concussion protocol Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
For the hit, he was fined $10,128 by the league for unnecessary roughness/use of helmet.
”Additionally, Branch received the same fine for a hit during a field goal attempt.
Charean Williams from Pro Football Talk reported, “The NFL also fined Branch $10,128 for unnecessary roughness for an opponent, who appeared to be Tip Reiman, on kicker Matt Prater’s 42-yard field goal to end the first half.
”While the Lions secured a 20-13 win over the Cardinals, several players faced significant penalties.
Maakaron noted that safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin were also fined. Joseph was penalized for a hit on a defenseless receiver, while Reeves-Maybin received a fine for a late hit.
The game also took a toll on the Lions with some serious injuries. Center Frank Ragnow sustained a partially torn pectoral but managed to play through the injury.
He has since been ruled out for the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks.
However, head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism that Ragnow could avoid going on injured reserve, stating, “I don’t feel that way, I really don’t.
And Frank heals up really quickly, normally. He does, he heals pretty quick.
I mean, he’s already – like I said, he’s starting to feel a lot better. So, I don’t feel that way, but it’s – we’re still early here.
”Tight end Sam LaPorta also suffered an injury during the game, but he is expected to participate in Monday’s matchup against the Seahawks.
Branch has shown encouraging signs of recovery this week after being placed in concussion protocol.
As reported by CBS Sports, he returned to practice fully on Friday, indicating he is close to being cleared.
“Branch continues to progress through concussion protocols and by logging a full practice Friday, he’s on the cusp of being cleared,” the report stated.
With the Lions set to host the Seahawks on Monday Night Football, it appears Branch is on track to play.
The hit that caused Branch’s concussion raised concerns, as both he and McBride fell to the ground and lay motionless for a moment.
Branch was later assisted off the field and taken to the locker room.
This season, Branch has been a starter in all three games, accumulating seven tackles, including one for a loss, and recording one interception.
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter for Heavy.com, covering the NFL with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins.
He has previously written for the Rochester Business Journal and served as assistant editor for various athletic trade magazines. Based in Rochester, New York, he has a deep passion for football.
