GOOD NEWS: New Medical Breakthrough Accelerate Brian Branch’s Return to the Field
When Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch suffered a devastating Achilles injury late in the 2025 NFL season, the initial outlook was grim. Historically, Achilles tears sideline players for a year or more, raising fears that the Lions could be without one of their most versatile defensive stars well into the 2026 season.
However, new developments in sports medicine and Achilles surgery may change that timeline.
According to reporting and analysis from Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, a modern surgical technique could potentially allow Branch to return earlier than expected, possibly as soon as the start of the 2026 NFL season.
SpeedBridge Surgery Could Change Achilles Recovery Timelines
One of the most talked-about advancements is the SpeedBridge procedure, a newer method of repairing Achilles ruptures that has already helped several elite athletes shorten their recovery timelines.
Dave Kempfert, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee and a former NFL offensive lineman, explained why this procedure has gained popularity.
“There is often an option for what is called the SpeedBridge surgery for Achilles ruptures,” Kempfert said. “This is potentially why we have seen NFL players, such as Cam Akers, return to sport faster.”
Kempfert emphasized that he is not involved in Branch’s case and that treatment decisions are always made by the player’s medical team.
How the SpeedBridge Procedure Works
The SpeedBridge technique differs from traditional Achilles repairs by using a knotless system with suture tape and anchors, creating a stronger and more stable repair.
“It is basically a knotless procedure that uses strong suture tape and anchors for secure tensioning of the repair,” Kempfert explained.
“The advantages are a stronger repair and a less invasive surgery that can allow for an earlier start of rehabilitation and weight-bearing.”
In ideal scenarios, this approach allows athletes to begin rehab sooner — a key factor in speeding up overall recovery.
Cam Akers Set the Precedent
Lions fans are watching this situation closely because it’s been done before.
In 2021, Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers shocked the NFL world by returning just over five months after tearing his Achilles — an almost unheard-of recovery at the time.
According to Kempfert, best-case outcomes with the SpeedBridge procedure have shown:
“We have seen people return as early as five to seven months to elite-level competitive sport.”
If Brian Branch followed a similar recovery path, that timeline would place him around training camp in August 2026, giving him a chance to be ready for Week 1.
Why Caution Still Matters for the Lions
Despite the optimism, Kempfert stressed that Achilles injuries remain highly individualized.
Recovery depends on several factors, including:
Severity and location of the tear
Surgical approach used
Player position and movement demands
Tissue healing timelines
Physician experience with the procedure
For most athletes, 12 months or longer is still the standard recovery window.
Anything faster remains the exception — not the rule.
What This Means for the Detroit Lions
At this point, the Detroit Lions will not rush Brian Branch’s return. Protecting his long-term health remains the top priority.
Still, advances in NFL injury recovery and surgical techniques have shifted the conversation.
Instead of asking whether Brian Branch will play in 2026, the question now becomes how early he might return.
For a Lions defense built on versatility, intelligence, and physicality, even the possibility of having Branch available early in the 2026 season is significant — and encouraging.
