The Detroit Lions are about to get some much-needed help for their crucial Week 7 clash against the Green Bay Packers. The defensive backfield, which has been the Lions' biggest weakness since the start of the season, is getting a boost with Brian Branch's return.
Head coach Dan Campbell already revealed that Branch will play on Sunday. But he hadn't specified exactly what role he would have and how much he would play. Many wondered whether he would be on a snap count after missing the last ten months with an Achilles tear.
It turns out that is not the case. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said on Thursday that they haven't really considered a snap count for Branch. Instead, the plan is to "go with the flow of the game," per MLive's Kory Woods.
Brian Branch will not be on a snap count in Week 7
This is obviously excellent news, as the Lions could use Branch as much as he can handle. Detroit had the worst defense in the league until they turned things around in Week 5 against Arizona. But the secondary still leaves plenty to be desired.
Branch's versatility allows Sheppard and Campbell to try different things defensively. Campbell already said that he wants to give both Chuck Clark and Keith Abney a chance next to Branch against the Packers. He added that they don't need a pure free/box safety next to him because of Branch's versatility.
Before his injury, the 25-year-old safety also made a ton of plays. In his Pro Bowl campaign in 2024, Branch had four interceptions, a sack, eight tackles for loss, and six QB hits. He only allowed a 73.7 passer rating in coverage.
If Branch can get back to that level at any point this season, the Lions will feel pretty good about their chances of turning things around defensively. But fans also have to be patient. It may take Branch some time before he looks like his pre-injury self.
Plus, there are a lot of new faces on the defensive unit that Branch hasn't played with. His usual backfield partner, Kerby Joseph, is still sidelined, and his NFL future remains uncertain. Going up against the potent Packers offense, however, Branch will have his hands full.
How effective Branch will be in his first game back remains to be seen. But at least it sounds like he will be out there without any limitations and will be allowed to play his usual share of snaps if the game calls for it.
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