The Detroit Lions are dealing with significant injuries to their defensive backfield once again. They were decimated by injuries to their secondary last season, and that has bled into this year.
Terrion Arnold has been a limited participant in organized team activities (OTAs), Kerby Joseph is still dealing with the nagging knee injury, and Brian Branch continues his recovery from his Achilles tendon injury.
Branch's absence from the OTAs was expected since he suffered the injury in Week 14 and underwent surgery in early December. It has only been six months since then, and Branch's unavailability shouldn't be concerning.
What may be slightly concerning, however, is Dan Campbell's latest remarks. The comments aren't even that worrisome at face value, but the fact that the Lions can't seem to get a positive injury update these days has been frustrating.
Coach Campbell on Brian Branch pic.twitter.com/epp26RMexz
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 11, 2026
Brian Branch injury update doesn't quell Lions fans' concerns
Campbell said that Branch didn't suffer any setbacks, but didn't sound optimistic about his chances of getting back on the field any time soon. Jeremy Reisman of The Pride of Detroit noted that Campbell's answer didn't make it sound like Branch will be ready for training camp.
The Lions head coach added that Branch is doing a good job and is putting in the work, but didn't want to put a timeline on his return, before jokingly saying December, so that the media stopped asking.
About the December date, he said, "anything before that is a bonus."
This is hardly illuminating. On one hand, it's good to hear that the star safety is doing well. On the other hand, December isn't really that encouraging of a target date. The fact that Campbell also mentioned the possibility of Campbell starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list can't be a great sign.
If Branch starts the season on the PUP list, he will have to miss at least the first four games of the season. One has to assume that if he isn't ready for training camp, he will have to begin the season there.
This could also complicate matters with Branch's potential contract extension. The Lions want to give the Pro Bowler an extension, but there may be delays in negotiations unless the team sees him on the field fully healthy.
In fact, Campbell said, "I think you always want to know that your guys are healthy and that this is truly healed. You always kind of want to lean that way, knowing the investment that would go into that" about extension talks, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard.
It sounds like Lions fans shouldn't hold their breath hoping to see Branch anytime soon. Whether these remarks should raise their concern levels, however, is up to them.
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