X-rays on Branch's ankle returned negative following Thursday's 34-20 win over the Packers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was forced to exit the game in the first half, though he was ultimately able to return. Both the fact that he retook the field and the initial imaging suggest the injury isn't overly serious, though more information should emerge in the coming days.

Branch (ankle) returned to Thursday's contest with the Packers, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was able to return to the field in the fourth quarter after he was carted off with an ankle injury in the third. The rookie will be back in his starting role at free safety.

Branch (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's contest with the Packers, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of the Lions' matchup with Green Bay, ultimately being helped off the field before being carted to the locker room. The defensive back will be replaced by Brandon Joseph for the time being.

Branch totaled 11 tackles, including three tackles for loss, and two pass breakups in Sunday's 20-6 win over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first career start with C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) and Kerby Joseph (hip) on the shelf, Branch logged every defensive snap and turned heads while doing so. While the rookie did commit a pair of 15-yard personal fouls along the way -- including a highly debatable unnecessary roughness call for a helmet-jarring tackle of Falcons running back Bijan Robinson -- the good far outweighed the bad. With Gardner-Johnson set to miss at least the next three weeks on injured reserve and Joseph yet to practice since his Week 2 injury, Branch could remain an every-down player for the foreseeable future.

Branch, who left Week 1 early due to cramps, is not on the team's estimated injury report Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch's ability to avoid the injury report is good news for the defense, as the Alabama product should continue to play a significant role in the team's secondary. Operating as the team's nickelback, he should be on the field Sunday against the Seahawks.

Branch left the season opener against the Chiefs on Thursday with cramps.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie nickel cornerback was listed as questionable to return. Branch returned an interception for a touchdown in the first half but exited in the second half. The second-round pick out of Alabama won the nickel job in training camp and got free-agent signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson to move to safety.

Branch is expected to be Detroit's starter at nickel cornerback, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch has reportedly been so good that offseason acquisition C.J. Gardner-Johnson was moved to safety to accommodate getting both players on the field together as much as possible. In his role at Alabama last year, Branch racked up 90 tackles, 14 TFLs, three sacks, seven PBUs and two interceptions over 13 games.