Detroit Lions fans have been calling for GM Brad Holmes and the front office to address their weakness in the defensive backfield. Since the start of the season, the Lions' defense has been getting carved up by opposing offenses. Even though the secondary looked a little better against the Jets, it remains the team's biggest liability.
That is why a lot of fans were upset about Detroit's unwillingness to beat the Cowboys' offer to acquire Joey Porter Jr. The Lions continue to put their trust in the current roster, hoping that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard can turn things around.
Fortunately for the Lions, they are getting a star defender back soon. Brian Branch, who began the season on the PUP list, is inching towards his return.
Brian Branch's return will give the Lions a big boost after their bye week
On Friday, Dan Campbell said that Branch is "close" and "ready to go," per team insider Nolan Bianchi.
Then NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed this and added that Branch has a very good chance of returning to practice next week.
This is excellent news for a Lions defense that is desperate for help. Branch has been one of the best safeties in the league since he stepped into the league as a second-round pick in 2023. He has been extremely consistent and productive, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2024. He has been a very important part of the Lions defense over the last three years.
The 24-year-old defender tore his Achilles in Week 14 last season. After suffering the injury against Dallas, it was announced on December 10 that he had undergone surgery. An 8-12 month return timeline was given. If he returns to practice next week, it will have been almost exactly ten months since the surgery.
There was no guarantee that Branch would make his return in the first half of the season. The team has been conservative throughout the recovery process in providing a timetable for his return. Many feared that Branch's debut would be closer to the end of the season.
Of course, returning to practice doesn't necessarily mean that his return to game action is imminent. The Lions still have to open the 21-day practice window before Branch can make his return. Given that the Lions have a bye in Week 6, it's safe to assume that Branch won't be available until Week 7.
The Lions face the Packers at Ford Field on October 25. That seems like the ideal target date for Branch. Once they see their star safety on the field, Lions fans can start feeling good about their postseason chances again.
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