A wave of concern is sweeping through Detroit as star safety Brian Branch faces an uncertain injury update that could shake up the Lions' defense. Branch, who has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s smartest and most physical young defenders, is undergoing an MRI on his foot after being limited in practice for two consecutive days. But here’s where it gets concerning — observers noticed him limping noticeably as he left the locker room on Thursday, hinting that this might not be a minor setback.
The 2024 Pro Bowler has been a key piece of Detroit’s defense so far this season. Through five games, Branch ranks third on the team with 26 tackles and leads the Lions with five passes defended — numbers that speak to both his instincts and his versatility in coverage. Losing him, even for a short period, would be a big blow for a secondary that’s already been hit hard by injuries.
And this is the part most fans might not realize: Detroit’s entire defensive backfield is running on fumes right now. Cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold are already sidelined indefinitely with hamstring and shoulder injuries. Backup Khalil Dorsey landed on injured reserve earlier this week, and to make matters worse, safety Avonte Maddox has now appeared on the injury report with a hamstring problem. It’s starting to feel like the team’s depth chart is being held together with tape.
Adding to the concern, Kerby Joseph — the Lions' other starting safety — missed practice again Thursday while recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the Week 4 win over Cleveland. That means the Lions could enter their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs without both of their top safeties, forcing younger or less experienced players into critical roles. Is this where Detroit’s aggressive defensive line will have to bail out the wounded secondary? Or could the team’s playoff hopes begin to wobble under the pressure?
There was at least a bit of good news on the offensive side. Wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (wrist) and Kalif Raymond (neck) returned to full practice, giving quarterback Jared Goff some much-needed relief. Meanwhile, left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder), linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring), and running back Sione Vaki (groin) remained out, leaving several question marks heading into the weekend.
Still, St. Brown struck an optimistic tone after Thursday’s session. He told reporters he’s “feeling good” and expects to suit up against Kansas City. “It’s been bugging me a little,” he admitted, “but taking a day to rest really helped get my legs back under me. Nothing to worry about.”
So, as the Lions prepare for one of their biggest matchups of the season, the burning question remains: Can Detroit’s injury-riddled secondary hold up against Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Chiefs offense? Or will this be the week the team’s bad luck finally catches up to them? Let us know — do you think the Lions have enough depth to survive this storm, or is it time for front office reinforcements?
