Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said that Branch will focus on nickel cornerback, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports. "...I wanted to make sure that I dial it back for (Branch), let him focus on nickel, let him play nickel, and I thought it was a really good game for him. As far as the stats because he didn't get a chance to be high productive like he's been, but I thought he did a really good job in just playing nickel," Glenn said.

EDGE Analysis

Branch logged at least six tackles and 93 percent of the playing time between in all but one game between Week 8 and Week 13, but he has not topped three tackles or 73 percent of the defensive snaps in either of the two games since then. Meanwhile, Ifeatu Melifonwu saw almost every snap and had an extremely productive game. While Branch was likely set for a dip in playing time regardless given the impending return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral), his IDP value will take a hit if he is not even a candidate to see snaps at safety going forward.

Branch logged seven total tackles (three solo), one pass deflection and one interception in Sunday's 33-28 win over the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

The 2023 second-round pick's seven stops were tied for the second-most on Detroit during Sunday's contest, bringing his season total up to 58 tackles. Branch also snagged the second interception of his young career, setting up the Lions' offense for an easy touchdown in the first quarter. The nickel safety is making a tremendous impact on Detroit's defense in his first season, ranking first on the team in pass deflections and tackles for loss, and he'll look to continue causing problems for opposing offenses as the year goes on.

Branch totaled eight tackles (three solo) in Thursday's Week 12 loss to the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Branch's eight stops led Detroit and were his most since he racked up 11 tackles against Atlanta in Week 3. The 22-year-old has been a fairly reliable IDP option over the Lions' past four games with an average of of six stops per game during that span. Branch has been one of the league's top defensive rookies this year, notching 51 tackles (36 solo) and an interception (which he returned for a touchdown) over nine contests.

Branch (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game at the Ravens, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch will return from a two-game absence in Week 7, as he is now apparently back to full strength after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 4 at Green Bay. He should start as Detroit's slot corner Sunday.

Branch (ankle) said Thursday that he'll play against the Ravens this Sunday, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch missed the past two games and was a limited practice participant both Wednesday and Thursday this week. He's listed as a safety on most fantasy sites but has taken a vast majority of his snaps as a slot corner and quickly become a fan favorite in Detroit. The rookie second-round pick has 25 tackles (21 solo), four pass defenses and a pick-six in four appearances.

Branch (ankle) was limited in Detroit's walkthrough Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch has missed the team's past two games with an ankle injury but is now one step closer to returning to the field. The rookie second-round pick will look to return to action versus the Ravens on Sunday and help slow down Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense.

Branch (ankle) will not play in Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com report.

EDGE Analysis

Branch's absence will mark his second straight after he was carted off the field in the Lions' Week 4 win over the Packers. Detroit did not opt to place him on injured reserve, so that indicates the team still does not think he will be out much longer. His absence against the Bucs could lead to more opportunities for Will Harris and Ifeatu Melifonwu as depth options at safety.

Branch (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 5 contest against Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was carted off the field after hurting his ankle in the third quarter of last Thursday's win over Green Bay, though he was able to return to that game in the fourth period. X-rays following the win came back negative, but Branch was unable to practice in any capacity this week and has been ruled out for Sunday. He'll look to improve enough to play Week 6 in Tampa Bay.

Branch (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Detroit's practice estimate Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Although the X-rays from the ankle injury Branch sustained in Week 4 at Green Bay came back negative, it seems he's still working through the issue at this point. He'll probably need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have a chance to suit up Sunday versus Carolina.

Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that the ankle injury Branch sustained Thursday at Green Bay doesn't appear to be anything too serious, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As the negative results of his X-rays would suggest, Branch dodged a severe injury in Week 4. With that being said, it's still not a certainty he'll be ready for Week 5 even with the extended week to prepare.