Lions safety Brian Branch walked gingerly off the field with help from the team training staff after injuring his leg. Junfu Han / Imagn Images
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions won a critical game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive and well. But they might’ve lost one of their key defenders in the process.
Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch is feared to have suffered an Achilles injury, a league source told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Slow walk off the field with help for Brian Branch. pic.twitter.com/vlkAANS5bB
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 5, 2025
Branch exited the game in the fourth quarter, walking gingerly off the field with the assistance of athletic trainers. When he returned to the sideline, a cart was brought out to escort him to the locker room. He was spotted with crutches and a walking boot after the game. The Lions are still learning more about the severity of Branch’s injury.
“I don’t know,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said postgame, when asked about Branch’s status. “I’ll know more tomorrow.”
Losing Branch would be a major blow to a secondary that’s already shorthanded. A 2023 second-round pick out of Alabama, Branch is one of the most versatile DBs in the league — capable of providing sticky coverage against receivers and tight ends alike. He’s instinctive, physical and fearless. His ability to play in the box or back deep allows defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to get creative elsewhere. He’s also been a mainstay in an ever-changing secondary.
All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee) has missed the last seven games. If he returns to action this year, he won’t be 100 percent. Cornerback D.J. Reed missed six games this season recovering from a hamstring injury, while fellow corner Terrion Arnold has missed five with varying injuries. Arnold will miss the rest of the season after opting for season-ending shoulder surgery.
If Branch is added to that list, the Lions will need to rely on the likes of Thomas Harper, Avonte Maddox and Daniel Thomas at safety. The Lions have four games remaining, and likely need to win three to give themselves a shot at the playoffs. That will be harder without Branch. Not to mention the timing of this injury, depending on its severity, could keep him out for part of the 2026 season, in what could be a contract year for Branch.
Dec 5, 2025
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