Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Cunningham has been placed on injured reserve, opening up a roster spot for safety Brian Branch, who is set to return from suspension.

With Brian Branch coming off the reserve/suspended list this week, Detroit needed to free up a spot on the 53-man roster for his reinstatement. Unfortunately, that meant bad news elsewhere. The Lions have now officially moved veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham to injured reserve.

Cunningham had just returned to action on Monday night after missing three straight games with a hamstring injury. He logged 15 special teams snaps and three on defense before exiting with another hamstring setback. According to Detroit Football Network, it was a recurrence of the same injury.

Though it’s a tough blow for Cunningham, Detroit appears well positioned to handle the loss. The Lions remain both healthy and deep at linebacker and may soon have Malcolm Rodriguez back. When asked recently if Rodriguez—who tore his ACL last November—was close to returning, head coach Dan Campbell indicated it could happen soon after the team’s bye week.

“We’re hoping after the bye we can start rolling him out there a little bit, get him going,” Campbell said.

It remains unclear how long Cunningham will be sidelined. He must miss a minimum of four games, which would make him eligible to return for Detroit’s Thanksgiving matchup against the Packers. Cunningham had been productive in limited action, recording seven tackles and one tackle for loss in just 14 defensive snaps across four games. He also played more than a dozen special teams snaps each week he was active.

Currently, the Lions’ healthy linebackers include Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Trevor Nowaske, and Grant Stuard, with Ty Summers remaining on the practice squad.