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Brian Branch return imminent, but 2 other Lions defenders hurt

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is on the verge of returning to team activities after a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last December. Coach Dan Campbell indicated Branch will likely begin practicing as early as Wednesday, though he will still need to pass final medical clearance.

The Pro Bowl-caliber safety has been absent since late December, leaving the Lions secondary severely depleted, with Avonte Maddox (IR), Thomas Harper (IR), and Kerby Joseph (PUP) also out of the lineup. The team has been relying on veteran free safety Chuck Clark and rookie Christian Izien, who has primarily played nickel cornerback during training camp.

Branch’s return would provide much-needed stability, though Campbell suggested he is unlikely to see action in Detroit’s upcoming Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, opting instead for a gradual return starting from the team’s bye week against the Packers in Week 7.

The Lions’ defensive depth issues extend beyond the safety position, as two other key defenders face setbacks. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, is not showing signs of improvement and may miss additional time.

His absence further thins Detroit’s already shallow cornerback corps, potentially opening the door for practice-squad standout Nick Whiteside to earn more playing time. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, who was spotted in a walking boot after the game, remains in a precarious injury situation.

Though Williams has shown strong early-season form with 14 tackles and eight pressures in four games, Campbell described his recovery as uncertain, leaving his availability on a day-to-day basis.

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