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The 2025 season was a mess for the Detroit Lions. Detroit went 9-7 and missed the playoffs, a terrible result after going 15-2 just one season before. The Lions are optimistic about returning to form in 2026, but they may have to wait a while to get back one of their best defensive stars.
Lions defensive back Brian Branch got an unfortunate injury update from head coach Dan Campbell in a recent interview. Detroit plans to take it very slow with Branch’s recovery.
“I guess there’s always a chance. I’m gonna just go ahead and widen the window so we don’t have to talk about it anymore. Let’s just go ahead and say December,” Campbell said on Thursday, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “Anything before that is a bonus.”
Campbell added that there is a chance that Branch could start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. However, nothing is certain at this point in the offseason.
Branch suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in December of 2025 in a game against the Cowboys. He had successful surgery in December, Campbell gave Branch a recovery window of up to 12 months. That tracks with Campbell’s latest comments, which would have Branch returning late in the 2026 season.
The timing for Branch’s injury was absolutely terrible. The Pro Bowl defensive back will soon be eligible for a contract extension. But Campbell and the Lions may want to see evidence that he’s fully healthy before pulling the trigger.
“I think you always want to know that your guys are healthy and that this is truly healed,” Campbell said. “You always kind of want to lean that way knowing the investment that would go into that.”
Hopefully Branch’s recovery process goes smoothly, allowing him to make an impact on the field this upcoming winter.
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