The Detroit Lions are reportedly preparing for a potential suspension of safety Brian Branch. This comes after NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the league will review Branch’s behavior, suggesting he should brace for a fine or possibly worse.

It’s not hard to see why, given how poorly the moment appeared on national television during Sunday Night Football, as millions watched the Kansas City Chiefs take a knee. To the casual viewer, Branch’s actions looked random and out of control. Yet while there’s no excusing the bad judgment, there’s additional context worth noting.

If Detroit chooses to defend its safety, there are two clips they might present to league officials as they evaluate any punishment. The first came early in the game when Patrick Mahomes scored and appeared to taunt Branch — an action that somehow drew no flag, despite the NFL’s strong stance on preventing taunting.

Later, JuJu Smith-Schuster delivered a blindside hit on Branch, flattening him from behind. These plays don’t excuse Branch’s reaction but provide important context that could help explain it.

Detroit Preparing for Possible Ban of Star Defender Brian Branch

The fact that Rapoport reported with such confidence that punishment beyond a fine is being considered speaks volumes. A one-game suspension wouldn’t be shocking, given recent precedents. Earlier this year, Jalen Carter was suspended a full game for spitting on Dak Prescott during the opener. Though Branch’s behavior wasn’t as extreme, the Lions have emphasized maintaining discipline between the whistles.

Even head coach Dan Campbell expressed disappointment, stressing that such conduct doesn’t represent what his team stands for. Taking all that into account, a suspension feels increasingly likely — a major blow to an already injury-depleted Detroit secondary.

On top of their existing defensive injuries, the Lions now have to prepare for a matchup against the one-loss Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that could carry major playoff implications later in the season. It’s clear the organization is anxiously awaiting the league’s ruling.

The team can only hope that Mahomes’ earlier taunt and Smith-Schuster’s late-game shove are considered as mitigating factors, resulting in just a heavy fine rather than a suspension. That’s the scenario Lions fans are clinging to as they enter a pivotal week following a disappointing loss at Arrowhead Stadium.