OCTOBER 24: As expected, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported this afternoon that Detroit planned to activate Branch from the reserve/physically unable to perform list today. 11 months after tearing his Achilles tendon, the Pro Bowl safety is finally approaching his return to the field. Shortly after Fowler’s report, the team announced that Branch would officially be activated alongside Mays, who is coming off injured reserve.
OCTOBER 19: On October 7, the Lions opened the practice window for safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays. Both players are eligible to be activated at any time, and that should be taking place soon.
“Barring anything negatively happening between now and the game, we plan on playing both of those guys,” head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. With Branch and Mays on track to suit up against the Packers, they will need to be brought onto the active roster in the coming days. Mays’ IR activation has already been accounted for.
Branch, meanwhile, has remained on the reserve/PUP list through the opening six weeks of the season. An Achilles tear ended his 2025 campaign in December, setting up a lengthy return process. Getting Branch back in the fold would be critical for Detroit’s secondary, a unit which has struggled so far. The Lions rank last in the NFL in terms of passing yards allowed per game.
Branch – and, potentially, fellow safety starter Kerby Joseph – becoming available would be welcomed as a result. In Branch’s case in particular, a strong run of games upon returning to action would be crucial. 2026 marks the final year of the former second-rounder’s rookie contract. Branch earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024 and will be tasked with handling starting duties once he is cleared to return.
Detroit already has one big-money safety contract on the books thanks to Joseph’s current deal. But Branch has long been seen as a member of the 2023 draft class general manager Brad Holmes has sought an extension with. Two members of that class – running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell – agreed to deals this offseason, while talks are currently on hold with tight end Sam LaPorta. Branch could be retained via the franchise tag, but the possibility of a free agent departure currently looms.
In need of a Frank Ragnow replacement, the Lions added Mays in free agency. The former Panthers starter landed $25MM on a three-year pact, and he will handle first-team duties upon making his Detroit debut. For both Mays and Branch, the Lions could elect to wait until October 28 to move them to the active roster. Based on Campbell’s comments, though, both are in line to suit up on Sunday.
