The Lions placed Branch (Achilles) on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch underwent successful surgery Wednesday to address a torn Achilles suffered during the Week 14 win over Dallas. With a recovery timeline of eight to 12 months, he'll now shift his focus to recovering in time for the start of the 2026 regular season. Branch finishes the 2025 season with 75 tackles, including 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defended over 12 games.

Branch (Achilles) has a recovery timetable of 8-12 months after undergoing a successful surgery to address the torn Achilles he suffered Dec. 4 against the Cowboys, coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch has a high likelihood of missing at least some of the 2026 season due to this injury. Daniel Thomas will likely assume the starting strong safety role for the remainder of the 2025 season in Branch's absence.

Branch tore his Achilles in Thursday's Week 14 win over the Cowboys, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Reports surfaced earlier Friday that there were fears Branch's injury was to his Achilles, and testing has now confirmed that diagnosis. Return to game action from an Achilles tear typically takes an NFL player at least nine months, and often longer, so Branch will be out for the remainder of this season and could be sidelined into the beginning of the 2026 campaign as well. This is a brutal blow to Detroit's secondary, though it could be softened a bit if Kerby Joseph, who has missed the team's past seven games due to a knee injury, is able to return in Week 15. Thomas Harper (concussion) figures to continue to start with Branch now sidelined (if the former is able to clear concussion protocol), and Daniel Thomas could pick up a significant amount of work as well, especially if Joseph remains out.

Branch, who exited the game and was later carted to the locker room in the second half of Thursday's win over Dallas, is feared to have injured his Achilles, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lions haven't yet released an official statement about Branch's injury, so for now his diagnosis and status remain uncertain. With that said, if he did indeed suffer an Achilles injury Thursday, the veteran safety could be looking at an extended absence. That would be a huge blow to a Detroit safety corps that was without Kerby Joseph (knee) on Thursday and that had Thomas Harper exit the victory in the first quarter due to a concussion.

Branch (ankle) was spotted wearing a boot and using crutches following Detroit's win over the Cowboys on Thursday,Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch exited late in the game and needed assistance getting off the field before being carted to the locker room. Head coach Dan Campbell said there would be no update Thursday, but that the team should have more information on Branch's status Friday.

Branch (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

The safety injured his ankle in the second half and had to be carted to the locker room. Branch recorded six tackles (three solo) and a fumble recovery before exiting. Detroit is already down Kerby Joseph (knee) and Thomas Harper (concussion) at safety, leaving Daniel Harper as the only healthy option.

Branch (toe) is active for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Branch has been on the injury report with a toe injury ahead of Detroit's last three games, but he's been active on each occasion. He's played at least 95 percent of defensive snaps as well as a handful of snaps on special teams in those two games, so he'll likely be ready to handle his typical role as a key member of the Detroit defense in Thursday's key game against the Lions.

Branch (toe) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was a limited participant all week during practice, so he has a good chance to suit up in the important NFC clash. The third-year safety has averaged 6.3 tackles per game this season while adding eight pass breakups and 2.5 sacks through 11 games. If he winds up inactive, Daniel Thomas will get the nod at strong safety.

Branch (toe) was a limited participant at practice Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was once again present on the injury report Monday as he continues to battle a toe injury over the last couple weeks. The safety was able to register 10 total tackles (seven solo) and two passes defensed while playing 95 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps in the team's 34-27 loss to the Packers on Thanksgiving, so he's likely on track to play again Thursday against Dallas. Branch will have two more chances to log a full practice before taking on the Cowboys.

Branch compiled 10 tackles (seven solo) during Detroit's loss to the Packers on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch had a strong outing despite the loss, as he led the team with a season-high 10 tackles. The 2023 second-round pick has logged 59 tackles (38 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble across 10 games this season and will look to keep producing in the Week 14 matchup versus the Cowboys.