Overview
- The Lions plan to activate Brian Branch and expect him to take his first game snaps Sunday, Oct. 25, against the Green Bay Packers after logging full practices this week.
- Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said there will be no fixed snap count for Branch and that playing time will be decided during the game based on how he responds.
- Head coach Dan Campbell warned that a full-game workload is unlikely in Branch’s debut, signaling a cautious approach despite confidence in his readiness.
- Detroit will integrate Branch into a rotating safety package that keeps rookie Keith Abney II and veteran Chuck Clark involved so the team can both protect Branch and continue Abney’s development.
- Special teams changes include signing DeAndre Carter as the primary returner after Tom Kennedy’s season-ending knee surgery, and the likely return of Packers RB Josh Jacobs alters Detroit’s defensive game plan by raising the importance of run fits and coverage matchups.