Overview
- Detroit coach Dan Campbell confirmed both Brian Branch and Cade Mays returned to on-field work as their 21-day practice windows began, starting the team's short evaluation period.
- Branch is coming back from a season-ending Achilles tear and the staff says they will be cautious to rebuild his conditioning and football reps before considering game action.
- Mays is recovering from a training-camp wrist injury and appears closer to game readiness; the team projects him to resume at center with Juice Scruggs likely moving to guard if Mays is activated.
- Under NFL rules the team must either activate a player within the 21-day window or place him on injured reserve for the season, creating a firm deadline for medical and performance decisions.
- The Lions’ Week 6 bye gives extra ramp-up time and the team is targeting possible availability around Week 7, a return that would shore up a thin secondary and stabilize the offensive line.