Tag: Brian Branch

Brian Branch ejected from Packers game after illegal hit

Lions star safety Brian Branch ejected from Detroit’s Week 9 game in Green Bay after an illegal hit

The Detroit Lions have lost another critical member of the defense midway through the second quarter of their Week 9 visit to Green Bay. This player loss is not injury-related, however.

Safety Brian Branch was ejected from the game after earning an unnecessary roughness penalty for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wideout Bo Melton. The infraction was flagged on the field by referee Clete Blakeman’s crew, and it was not a controversial call. But then the NFL intervened…

Branch was ejected by the league after a review off the field. The league has the ability to review fouls like this, and they deemed it worthy of ejection.

After his ejection, Branch earned another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as he left the field.

Lions film room: Brian Branch had a career day against the Dallas Cowboys

Lions film room: Safety Brian Branch had a career day in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys

It’s hard to beat having a pick-six in your first career game like Brian Branch did last season against the Kansas City Chiefs. That will always get labeled as a career day and fortunately for the Lions, Branch has had plenty of good games in his young career.

However, last week against the Cowboys, it felt like it was the best game of his career so far.

Branch finished with 6 tackles, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and two interceptions. Not only did he load the stat sheet with impressive numbers, he also forces offenses to consider which way they want to run or throw the football. His physicality and consistency in stopping the run or pass makes it difficult for the opposition.

For example, let’s start with his forced fumble against Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy. As you can see in the play above, Branch is the safety to the boundary. While Branch sits in the passing window of a potential post route or in-breaking route, the Cowboys QB Dak Prescott throws to Flournoy running the curl route.

Once the catch is secured, Branch begins his pursuit to the football. In the process, he does a great job punching this ball and forcing a big fumble that was recovered by the Lions defense. Had he not gone for the takeaway, this would have been a first down and it could have led to this drive being capped off by a field goal or touchdown.

Next, I want to focus on one of the interceptions made by Brian Branch. On the play above, you’ll see Branch aligned as the safety over the top of the trips bunch formation from the Cowboys. Once the ball is snapped, you get the outside receiver (WR 80 Ryan Flournoy) setting up to block one of the defensive backs.

Meanwhile, the point man (WR 1 Jalen Tolbert) runs a bubble towards the sideline and inside receiver (WR 88 CeeDee Lamb) runs a corner route. The bubble is supposed to pull Branch down and it should open the corner route in the back of the end zone. Fortunately for the Lions, Branch has other ideas.

As the play develops, Branch baits the quarterback in thinking he’s going down to the bubble. However, Branch undercuts the corner route and makes a great read and play to intercept the pass.

With the injury sustained to defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, it feels like Brian Branch will be viewed as the Lions best defensive player moving forward. The expectations for him were already high going into this season but now they may be higher. The best part for the Lions and their fan base is that Branch is more than talented to meet and exceed those expectations.

Lions vs Vikings: Final injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Vikings: Final injury report and medical analysis via Dr. Liao

For the Lions, the active roster is mostly healthy, but there was a downgrade over the week in Kevin Zeitler.

The Vikings look to be missing some important players, but they got upgrades over the course of the week in Harrison Phillips and Patrick Jones.

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis, CB (NP NP FP – Questionable) quad

Davis left the game after getting a cleat to the head early in the 3rd quarter. I reviewed all his plays prior and didn’t see any signs of a quad issue which bodes well for this Sunday. Add in the Friday FP and he is likely to play with no limitations.

Kevin Zeitler, OG (NP LP NP – Questionable) groin

Zeitler hurt himself in practice this week and the Friday NP means he’s likely out for Sunday. Early signs are good though that this shouldn’t be anything long-term.

If Zeitler can’t go, there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off as Kayode Awosika has been a very solid OG backup the past two years.

Hopefully, Zeitler does not have a hip joint issue as that could be a long-term concern. More likely, it’s a mild hip flexor or hip adductor muscle strain which can cause groin pain.

Brian Branch, S (LP FP FP – IN) knee

Branch landed hard on his knee during his interception return early in the 4th quarter. He played the first two plays of the next drive without obvious issues, but then was replaced by Brandon Joseph the rest of garbage time. The 2x FP is reassuring that there is no ligament/cartilage damage and more likely is just a benign contusion.

Dan Skipper, OT (NP FP FP – IN) ribs

Skipper hurt his right lower ribs in game three vs the Cardinals but hasn’t missed a game. He was wearing a visible protective pad on that right side during the Cowboys game which means the rib isn’t fully healed yet.

He will play vs the Vikings as he hopes to bounce back from his zero-catch performance.

Frank Ragnow, C (NP FP FP – IN) rest

Good to see that Ragnow’s pec is not on the report. He strained his left pec 3.5 weeks ago and the Cowboys game was his first game back.

Christian Mahogany, OG (FP FP FP – OUT) illness

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for about two months. Because the Lions don’t need him now, I expect him to max out the full 21-day practice window and be put on the roster around October 29.

NOTABLES

Aidan Hutchinson was placed on IR with a left tib/fib fracture. Expect him back in limited fashion for the Super Bowl.

Kyle Peko was placed on IR with left pec surgery. He is out for the year.

Brodric Martin, who had a right knee hyperextension on August 24, has not started his 21-day practice window yet. Hopefully, that will happen next week.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Blake Cashman, LB (NP NP NP – OUT) toe

A turf toe issue will keep this important LB out. He had played 100% of snaps the past two games.

Aaron Jones, RB (NP LP LP – Questionable) hamstring

Jones hurt his leg two weeks ago. With an NP early and no FP’s, he’s likely out vs the Lions. The Vikings just traded for Cam Akers this week so expect to see him.

Harrison Phillips, DT (NP LP FP – Questionable) shoulder

This starting nose tackle would be a big loss in the middle, but the FP hints he’ll play.

Patrick Jones, DE (NP LP FP – Questionable) shoulder

Jones has five sacks on the year so his loss could be impactful, but the FP means he’s likely in.

TJ Hockenson, TE (LP LP LP – Questionable) knee

Hockenson reportedly won’t be ready to play this week coming off his ACL suffered against the Lions last year.

Akayleb Evans, CB (NP NP NP – OUT) hip

Evans is a special teamer who hasn’t played on defense in the past four games.

Dalton Risner, OG (LP LP LP – Questionable) back

Risner has yet to play this year due to injury. The lack of an FP means he’s likely still out.

The full report:

Aaron Glenn discusses why safeties are crucial to Lions’ success

Aaron Glenn discusses why safeties are crucial to Lions’ success

The Lions have one of the better safety pairing in the NFL in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The two have been huge in stopping opposing passing defenses and giving the Lions a 4-1 start following their 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

How important are the two to the success for the Lions and their defense? Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn dove into that topic during his weekly media availability Thursday.

“Well this is something that actually started in New Orleans, my first year there, of understanding exactly the type of defense that we were trying to play, and that’s a multitude of different coverages in the backend, and that requires safeties that can communicate at a high level,” Glenn said. “That’s the first thing. The second thing is it requires safeties that can play man coverage and that’s across the board on our defense. And thirdly, safeties are highly instinctive that can understand where the ball is going to go make plays on the ball, and as you can see, our guys are doing a really good job of that. And that’s just how the system is built and that’s – I love safeties that can play that way. I think it allows you to allow your corners to play with leverage, they allow your safeties to have a little freedom within the defense to go make plays, and man we have one of the better ones in Brian Branch that’s highly instinctive, that can play down, that can play back, and then Kerby’s in the middle of the field and he can do a lot. And his range to be able to go find the ball is unbelievable. It kind of reminds me of when I had (former Saints S) Malcolm Jenkins and (Ravens S) Marcus Williams when I was in New Orleans. So, those guys are somewhat similar, but there are differences between those guys also.”

The Lions currently rank 6th in expected points added per play at -0.17. Only the Minnesota Vikings (-0.27), Denver Broncos (-0.23), Chicago Bears (-0.21), Tennessee Titans (-0.20) and Los Angeles Chargers (-0.18) rank better than the Lions through Thursday’s game between the Broncos and Saints (Broncos won 33-10).

Jenkins and Williams were an extremely strong duo during their time in New Orleans — Glenn was New Orleans’ defensive backs coach from 2016-2020 — so to be compared to those two is quite the praise for Joseph and Branch, who are among the top five on the team in tackles and have already combined for seven interceptions this season. Branch is allowing a quarterback rating of 48.0 per NFL Next Gen Stats while Joseph has been near-shutdown, with just a 2.8 QB rating allowed.

With Aidan Hutchinson lost for the season, Joseph and Branch will take on even more of a role as the heart and soul of Glenn’s defense, a role they will certainly relish in.

Lions see some changes in the latest injury report

Lions see some changes in the latest injury report, including a full return by Brian Branch but a setback for Kevin Zeitler

The injury and practice participation report from the Detroit Lions on Thursday didn’t feature any new names from the previous day. That’s a good thing for the Lions as they prepare to head to Minnesota to play the unbeaten Vikings in Week 7.

Thursday’s report featured upgrades to safety Brian Branch and reserve offensive lineman Dan Skipper. Both practiced in full. Branch, the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, was limited with a knee issue on Wednesday. Skipper sat out Wednesday with a rib injury. Center Frank Ragnow returned as a full participant after his veteran rest day on Wednesday.

Alas, there was a setback with one offensive lineman. Starting right guard Kevin Zeitler was listed as limited with a groin injury. That’s a downgrade from Zeitler’s status on Wednesday, when he sat out as a veteran rest day.

Remaining sidelined is starting cornerback Carlton Davis. He is dealing with a quadriceps issue. It is not related to the potential brain injury he suffered in the Week 6 win in Dallas.

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Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis for both Detroit and Minnesota

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis (NP) quad, CB

Davis left the game after getting a cleat to the head early in the 3rd quarter. Good to see no concussion or head on the report.

As far as his quad, there were no signs of any leg issue during his final drive. Guessing this is a precautionary issue and we will see him with an LP/FP on Thursday which would put him on track to play.

Brian Branch (LP) knee, S

The knee listing is a surprise but the LP suggests there is nothing serious going on. It’s possible he landed hard on his knee during his interception return early in the 4th quarter. He played the first two plays of the next drive without obvious issues, but then was replaced by Brandon Joseph the rest of garbage time. Branch looked to be in good spirits on the sideline.

Unless there is a surprise NP on Thursday, I’d expect him to play vs the Vikings.

Dan Skipper (NP) ribs, OT

Skipper hurt his right ribs in game three vs the Cardinals but didn’t miss a game. He was wearing a visible protective pad on that right side during the Cowboys game. Regardless, he felt good enough to “run” a WR route late in the 4th quarter. Expect him to be available vs the Vikings.

Frank Ragnow (NP) rest, C

Good to see that Ragnow’s pec is not on the report. He strained his left pec 3.5 weeks ago and the Cowboys game was his first game back. He was taken out late in the 4th quarter during garbage time but will be available vs the Vikings.

Kevin Zeitler (NP) rest, OG

Like Ragnow, Zeitler was removed from the game late in the 4th during garbage time. He will also be available on Sunday.

Christian Mahogany (FP) illness, OG

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months. Because he is so far behind from a mental standpoint, I expect him to max out the full 21-day practice window. Expect him to be put on the active roster around October 29.

NOTABLES

Aidan Hutchinson was placed on IR with a left tib/fib fracture. Expect him back in limited fashion for the Super Bowl.

Kyle Peko was placed on IR with left pec surgery. He is out for the year.

Kerby Joseph hurt his hamstring during practice last week. Good to see he is unlisted this week.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Blake Cashman (NP) toe, LB

A turf toe issue will likely keep this important LB out this Sunday. He played 100% of snaps the past two games.

Aaron Jones (NP) hamstring, RB

A right hamstring (or iliotibial band issue based on where it was wrapped) will very likely keep Jones out. The Vikings traded for Cam Akers this week so we may see a lot of him.

Harrison Phillips (NP) shoulder, DT

This starting nose tackle would be a big loss in the middle.

TJ Hockenson (LP) knee, TE

Hockenson may not be ready to play this week coming off his ACL suffered against the Lions last year.

Akayleb Evans (NP) hip, CB

Evans is a special teamer who hasn’t played on defense in the past four games.

Patrick Jones (NP) shoulder, DE

Jones has five sacks on the year so his loss could be impactful.

Dalton Risner (LP) back, OG

Risner has yet to play this year due to injury.

The full report:

Lions injury update: Carlton Davis, Brian Branch among the wounded

Lions injury update: Carlton Davis, Brian Branch among the wounded to start out Week 7

The first practice status injury report from the Detroit Lions ahead of the Week 7 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings features four players who did not participate on Wednesday.

The good news is that two of the players sat as part of a veteran rest regimen. Offensive linemen Frank Ragnow (C) and Kevin Zeitler (RG) each took the day for personal rest. Both played throughout the Week 6 win in Dallas until the Lions pulled the starters late in the blowout victory.

Cornerback Carlton Davis (quad) and offensive lineman Dan Skipper (ribs) also did not participate in practice. Davis is not in the concussion protocol after being kicked in the helmetless head during Sunday’s game.

Safety Brian Branch, the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week, was limited with a knee issue.

Finally, offensive lineman Christian Mahogany was a full participant as he continued to effort an activation from the non-football injury list.

Brian Branch named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Brian Branch named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 6 performance against the Cowboys

For the second Detroit game in a row, a Lions player has earned the NFC Player of the Week honor for his performance in a win.

Brian Branch earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award from the NFL for his dominant play in Detroit’s 47-9 walloping of the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. Branch picked off two passes and forced a fumble in the Lions huge win.

He joins Jared Goff, who captured the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor in the Week 4 win over Seattle. This is Branch’s first time being honored.

Lions vs Cowboys: Final injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Cowboys: Final injury report medical analysis for the Week 6 matchup in Dallas

It’s early in the week but the Lions look to have the health advantage heading into the Cowboys game. The Cowboys just recently lost three impact edge rushers in Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Marshawn Kneeland. Similarly but to a lesser caliber, the Lions lost two edge players recently in Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes.

The Cowboys also have had two players’ expectations downgraded over the course of the week in Eric Kendricks and DaRon Bland.

On the positive side, the Lions are returning a couple key players coming out of the bye in Frank Ragnow and Brian Branch, while the Cowboys are likely returning Caelen Carson.

DETROIT LIONS

A new listing popped up during the week with Kerby Joseph.

Kerby Joseph (UL LP FP – IN) hamstring, S

A hamstring strain in practice landed him on the Thursday report but won’t keep him out. Recall that Joseph also strained a hamstring before game 2 but did not miss the game.

Frank Ragnow (FP FP FP – IN) pec, C

After straining his left pec three weeks ago, he is ready to play vs the Cowboys with no concerns.

Brian Branch (FP FP FP – IN) illness, S

Branch missed one game after a concussion three weeks ago and an illness two weeks ago. He is more than ready to go now with no concerns.

Christian Mahogany (FP FP FP – OUT) illness, OG

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months and the 3x FP supports this. He will be inactive though since he is far behind mentally and there are many players ahead of him on the depth chart.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Downgrades in expectation over the week include DaRon Bland and Eric Kendricks.

With three of their top edge players out, the Cowboys will be relying on Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat. Golston is a 4th-year player, who has five sacks in his career and picked up a half sack last game. Wheat is a 2nd-year player with 0.5 career sacks who got significantly more playing time last game.

Micah Parsons (NP NP NP – OUT) ankle, LB

This elite pass rusher will miss the Lions game due to a high ankle sprain.

Eric Kendricks (NP NP NP – OUT) calf/shoulder, LB

Kendricks played 100% of defensive snaps last game which makes his out designation a surprise. This could be a big loss in the middle of the defense. Lions fans are very familiar with Kendricks who played eight years in Minnesota.

DaRon Bland (FP FP NP – Questionable) foot, CB

This 1st-team All-Pro CB has been out the whole season due to a stress fracture in his 5th metatarsal but was expected to make a limited return this Sunday. However, an NP on Friday puts his return in doubt.

Bland’s injury is in the location of a Jones fracture which is a tricky injury due to the higher risk of malunion (non-healing bone) and refracture. The NP could indicate a setback of some kind.

Caelen Carson (FP FP FP – Questionable) shoulder, CB

Carson has been inactive the past two weeks but with 3x FP, I expect him to play on Sunday. He played 98% of defensive snaps three weeks ago so his return will boost the Cowboys secondary.

Nick Vigil (NP NP NP – Questionable) foot, ILB

Vigil has not played a defensive snap the last three games but plays regularly on special teams. Three NP suggests out.

Tyler Guyton (FP FP FP – IN) knee, LT

This 1st-round rookie starter exited the last game due to a left knee injury. The injury is reportedly minor and the 3x FP confirms this. He will start on Sunday. In case there is an aggravation, look for Tyler Smith to move from LG to LT and TJ Bass to insert at LG.

Trevon Diggs (FP NP FP – IN) ankle/illness, CB

Diggs played 100% of defensive snaps last week. A new issue popped up during the week but won’t keep him out.

Zack Martin (NP NP FP – IN) rest/back, OG

 

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Demarcus Lawrence DE, right foot Lisfranc – IR

This star DE is a big loss for the Cowboys and may be out for multiple months.

Marshawn Kneeland DE, right knee meniscus – IR

This 2nd-round rookie who was filling in for the loss of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence left the last game due to a torn lateral meniscus. He had arthroscopic surgery this week and is on IR.

Brandin Cooks WR, right knee infection – IR

A joint infection is a serious issue that requires IV antibiotics and drainage. The loss of Cooks may not have a significant impact as the Cowboys have a dangerous WR corps of CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. The Lions secondary will be getting no breaks here.

Here is the full report:

All Lions on the active roster are healthy coming out of the bye week

All Lions on the active roster are healthy coming out of the bye week, including All-Pro C Frank Ragnow

The Detroit Lions are coming out of the bye in Week 5 in very good condition. In fact, all of the players on the active 53-man roster are healthy enough to practice ahead of the Lions’ Week 6 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit technically did not practice on Wednesday thanks to the bye week and coming off Monday Night Football in Week 4, so the practice participation report released by the team is only an estimate. But every single Lions player, including C Frank Ragnow and S Brian Branch, were estimated to be full participants if the team did hold a practice.

Branch and Ragnow each missed the win over Seattle. They are the only players on the active roster who earned any injury designation on the update. Rookie OL Christian Mahogany was also designated as a full participant as he continues to progress toward activation from the non-football illness list. Mahogany began his 21-day window to be activated during Tuesday’s practice.