The Detroit Lions’ safety group continues to take heavy hits, with all three of their top options currently dealing with injuries. Kerby Joseph has already missed seven straight games because of a lingering knee issue, though he returned to practice this week and has a chance to suit up in Week 15 against the Rams. His stand-in, Thomas Harper, exited early against the Cowboys with a concussion and didn’t return.

Brian Branch Suffers Serious Injury After Awkward Tackle

The situation worsened late in the fourth quarter when star safety Brian Branch went down with what looked like a serious lower leg injury. While making a play on the ball, Branch’s foot was rolled up on by Jake Ferguson, twisting awkwardly underneath him. He limped off with help, spent time in the medical tent, and was later taken to the locker room on a cart. After the game, he was spotted on crutches with a walking boot.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later reported that tests confirmed the Lions’ fears: Branch tore his Achilles. Once Harper clears concussion protocol, he is expected to take over Branch’s role, with Avonte Maddox available if Harper can’t go. Because the injury occurred so late in the year, Branch could also miss the start of next season—an especially tough break considering he becomes eligible for a lucrative contract extension after his third season.

Major Impact on an Already Thin Secondary

Branch’s loss is a significant setback for Detroit’s defense. Despite the constant shuffling of personnel around him—Joseph, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed have all missed extended time—Branch had been a steadying presence and one of the few dependable pieces left in the secondary. Aside from a Week 6 suspension, the Pro Bowler hadn’t missed any games prior to the injury.

Branch had been playing at an elite level, shining both in coverage and against the run. He ranked second on the team with nine pass breakups and recorded 16 run stops, posting a 5.5% run-stop rate—marks that placed him near the top of the league at his position, according to PFF.