The Detroit Lions lost two of their best defenders in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings with one friendly-fire shot.
On a pass to Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, Lions safety Brian Branch came crashing down to make a play, led with his head, and made helmet-to-helmet contact with teammate DJ Wonnum. Wonnum got up extremely slowly and had to be carted off. Branch walked to the locker room under his own power. At halftime, both players were declared OUT for the remainder of the game with concussions.
This was just Branch’s second game back after coming back from a torn Achilles suffered last December. In his first game back, he tallied an interception and was all over the field. In his place, the Lions played rookie defensive back Keith Abney.
Wonnum, who looked to get the worst of the injury, is currently tied for the team lead in sacks with 5.0.
