yahoo
The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season with lofty expectations after failing to make the playoffs the previous year. Head coach Dan Campbell and his staff were projected to field another elite offense, and the hope in Detroit was that the defense would remain healthy and take a step forward under second-year coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Through four weeks, the offense has largely held up its end of the bargain, even if it has been inconsistent at times. The defense, however, has been arguably the worst in the NFL. Much of the blame falls on a secondary that is currently without both of its star safeties, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Branch is still working his way back from a torn Achilles, while Joseph has been dealing with a knee injury that has lingered for over a year. On Wednesday, Branch returned to practice as the Lions opened his 21-day practice window. While he won't play in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, he was listed as a limited participant and should be back within the next few weeks.
After Wednesday's practice, Branch spoke about his journey back to the field and his eagerness to return, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. "I'm starving," Branch said. "Since I got injured, I've just been day-by-day, just been working, grinding."
Branch has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since joining the league. He is the kind of versatile chess piece that instantly can make a defense better, and the Lions will be thrilled to have him back whenever he is able to get back on the field. Branch has 258 total tackles during his three seasons in the NFL to go with 20 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and three forced fumbles.
The Lions will have to survive against the Cardinals on Sunday without Branch before going on their bye week in Week 6. Branch will then look to make his return in Week 7 at home against the Green Bay Packers.
Key Analysis
Branch's return to practice is a significant development for a Lions defense that has been torched through the air. His presence as a versatile safety who can play deep, in the box, or in the slot will provide a massive upgrade over the current options. With Joseph also sidelined, Branch's eventual return cannot come soon enough for a team with playoff aspirations. If he can regain his pre-injury form, the Lions' defense could transform from a liability to a strength down the stretch.
Originally reported by yahoo.