Detroit Lions Do Not Give Return Timetable For Brian Branch

It is unlikely Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch will be ready to return for training camp.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) at Ford Field | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions have been cautious in providing return timetables for key defensive players.

Among those currently working their way back is safety Brian Branch, who is rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon suffered against the Dallas Cowboys in December last season.

Speaking before the team's Thursday organized team activities practice, head coach Dan Campbell was asked if the 2023 second-round pick had an opportunity to return to the field by the start of training camp or any point in the summer.

"I don't know. I mean, I guess there's always a chance," said Campbell. "I'm going to just go ahead and widen the window, so we don't have to talk about it anymore. Let's just go ahead and say December. And then anything before that is a bonus. That way you don't have to ask me. I would ask too, though.

Detroit has made a concerted effort to address the injuries on the back end. Safety Kerby Joseph is also rehabbing from a significant knee injury.

Additional Lions Insider Analysis: Current Players Who Could Aid 2026 Team With Versatile Use

In the offseason, general manager Brad Holmes signed Christian Izien and Chuck Clark. Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox also have vast experience playing versatile roles, including at the safety position.

For Detroit, Branch has been progressing well and has not suffered any setbacks, according to the former NFL tight end.

"There's no setbacks with him. That's what I can tell you," said Campbell. "He's doing a good job. He's putting in the work. But until we really get closer, I hate to start throwing a timetable on him now. But he's doing well."

The former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back is entering a contract year. For a player as valuable as Branch, who is a tough, physical player, having him return before he is 100 percent is not something the organization is going to force.

"I think you always want to know that your guys are, you know, that they are healthy and that this is truly healed," Campbell explained. "You're always going to kind of want to lean that way knowing the investment that would go into that."

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