Overview
- Branch took part in a limited live practice Wednesday, which started the 21-day PUP evaluation window that forces the Lions to either activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on PUP for the season.
- Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said Branch “looked like he hadn’t been out” and called a game debut realistic if trainers clear him, while head coach Dan Campbell warned Branch will need time to shake off rust.
- Branch remains on the physically unable to perform list and final clearance depends on the Lions’ medical staff deciding how many snaps he can safely handle in his first games back.
- Coaches say Branch’s versatility as a top-tier safety could improve assignments, communication and coverage in a secondary that has given up the most yards and near the most points through four games.
- The decision to activate him carries trade-offs because he has not had live reps in about 10 months, he is entering a contract year, and rushing him risks reduced effectiveness or re-injury even as Detroit’s depth is thin.