Help could be coming soon for the Detroit Lions defense.
Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed the recovery situation for safety Brian Branch before practice on Friday, Oct. 2, not giving a timeline for his
return but saying that the Pro Bowl safety is "close" to returning.
"He's close, yeah, he's close," Campbell said. "He's ready to go, he's tired of listening to me, and I mean that in a good way."
Branch tore his Achilles on Dec. 4 against the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't played since. The Lions put Branch on the PUP list to start the season and had previously hoped that Branch would be ready to return by September, but the timeline for his return has been pushed.
His return would be a huge upgrade for the Lions, who are currently 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (416.7) while missing Branch and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph. Branch is considered closer to returning than Joseph, even if the Lions haven't targeted a game yet for Branch's season debut.
"He's putting in a ton of work, and he looks really good," Campbell said.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions S Brian Branch 'close' to returning, coach Dan Campbell says
