The Detroit Lions’ game against the Green Bay Packers just got a little more interesting. Not only are the Packers getting starting running back Josh Jacobs back, but the Lions are also getting their star safety, Brian Branch, and starting center, Cade Mays, back.
And more help in Detroit: Lions also activated C Cade Mays, who is returning from a broken wrist he suffered in training camp. Mays and Brian Branch practiced this week, and both are set to play Sunday vs. the Packers. https://t.co/5REVkw650c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2026
Branch started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after tearing his Achilles tendon back in December of last season. He was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and made the Pro Bowl in 2024. After seven interceptions
in 2023 and 2024, he did not record an interception in 2025, but he posted a career-high in sacks (2.5). He also finished the year with over 70 total tackles for the third straight season.
Without Branch, the Lions’ pass defense has been the worst in the NFL. They have allowed 1,487 passing yards and given up 14 passing touchdowns in just six games. Getting him back will be a huge help in this game against Green Bay, with wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.
Detroit is also in arguably the best division in the NFL, with the Minnesota Vikings(Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison) and the Chicago Bears (Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland). So Branch’s return should help the Lions contain these elite playmakers throughout the rest of the season.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Lions S Brian Branch making season-debut on Sunday vs Packers
