Branch is in the concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's 20-13 win over the Cardinals with a neck injury, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The starting safety will have to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to play next week against the Seahawks. Branch played a major role in a stellar defensive effort for the Lions on Sunday, finishing with nine tackles (six solo), including one for a loss, and two passes defensed. Brandon Joseph and Loren Strickland are the healthy backup safeties on Detroit's roster at the moment.

Branch (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The safety was having a strong game before exiting, recording nine tackles (six solo), including one for a loss, and two passes defensed. Branch also helped Detroit limit a high-flying Arizona offense to just 13 points and less than 300 yards of offense late into the fourth quarter. Brandon Joseph and Loren Strickland are Detroit's extra safeties on the active roster Sunday.

Branch recorded six total tackles (five solo), an interception and two passes defensed in Sunday's 20-16 loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was once again very active in Week 2, finishing tied with Jack Campbell for the team lead in tackles. The 22-year-old was also able to secure his first interception of the 2024 campaign, picking off Baker Mayfield right before halftime. Through two contests, Branch has compiled 13 total tackles (10 solo), an interception and five passes defensed.

The Lions activated Branch (lower leg) off the active/PUP list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch had a clean-up surgery on his lower leg earlier in the offseason, but he's now passed his physical and is ready to return to the field. The 2023 second-round pick out of Alabama had a great rookie campaign while posting 74 total tackles and 13 passes defended, including three interceptions, and he's expected to remain one of Detroit's top defensive backs in 2024.

Detroit placed Branch (lower leg) on its active/PUP list Sunday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch underwent an optional procedure during the offseason to clean up some damage to his ankle, and he's apparently still recovering from that as training camp gets underway. Coach Dan Campbell said in the spring that Branch would be ready to go in plenty of time for Week 1, but time is starting to run short on that.

Branch recently underwent a cleanup procedure on his lower left leg and will likely be sidelined until training camp, Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lions initially thought Branch's lower left leg injury would heal on its own, but he elected to undergo a procedure so he could rehab ahead of the regular season. However, coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Branch is progressing well and will likely be able to do some work before the regular season begins, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Branch was recently seen on a knee scooter around the team's facility. The 22-year-old was solid as a rookie last year, tallying 74 tackles (50 solo), including a sack, along with 13 pass defenses, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a touchdown.

Branch registered 74 tackles, one sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, one defensive touchdown and one forced fumble over 15 games in 2023.

EDGE Analysis

Impressing at both safety and nickelback as a rookie, Branch ultimately settled in at the latter position despite the Lions spending $6.5 million to bring in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was moved to safety to accommodate. Branch ultimately finished the year tied for 12th among cornerbacks in both PBUs and picks. While it remains possible that the Alabama product could see added responsibilities at safety again in the future, he at least seems to be locked in at the nickelback spot entering 2024.

Branch (wrist) has returned to Sunday's game against the Vikings, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch left Sunday's game for a short period of time to deal with a wrist injury. It appears the issue is not serious, as he has returned to the field.

Branch (wrist) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Vikings, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch sustained a wrist injury in the second half of Sunday's game and walked with trainers to the locker room. He had one solo tackle before exiting the game.

Branch recorded six tackles (five solo) including a sack and a forced fumble, and an interception in Sunday's 30-24 win at Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

Early in the second quarter, Branch came blazing through the B gap on a blitz and dislodged the ball from the hands of Nick Mullens. That play didn't result in a turnover, but Branch had already achieved that himself in the first quarter with his third pick of the season. The rookie second-rounder is starting to look like he was a home-run pick for the Lions.