The Lions beat the Packers on Thursday night 34-20, but that’s not even the best news from their dominating win. The fact that Brian Branch didn’t suffer a long-term injury is even better news for the Lions and their fans.
In the third quarter, Branch was looking to make a play while trying to defeat the block from a Packers wide receiver but instead fell to the ground and held his ankle. When walking off the field, he barely could put pressure on it.
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Brian Branch as the primary target in coverage vs. the Packers
27 snaps
4 targets
3 receptions allowed
27 yards allowed
1 forced incompletion
0 first downs allowed— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) September 29, 2023
Once Branch got to the sideline, he was carted to the locker room, a sign that the Lions may have lost another defensive back due to injury. The hope was that it wasn’t an Achilles tear or anything of that nature. Branch came back to the field after being looked at by trainers and his ankle got a heavy tape job.
In fact, Branch even came back to play in the fourth quarter. However, while trying to make a tackle, it looked like he had tweaked his ankle more. Shortly after, his night came to an end. Fortunately, Branch spoke to the media after the game and said his X-ray came back negative and nothing was broken.
🚨 Lions Brian Branch: Injury Update! 🏈
Brian Branch, key to Lions’ defense, went down with a ankle injury. 😱🦁
Branch went to the locker room but is now back on the sideline being taped up.
Will he make it for Thursday Night Football against the Packers? 🤔 #NFL #NFLNEWS… pic.twitter.com/mWIr6ihSAn— Gameday Blitz (@TheGamedayBlitz) September 29, 2023
During the postgame press conference, head coach Dan Campbell said that “it’s good news that he was able to come back out there.” Campbell insisted that we’ll know more about Branch’s ankle later on Friday.
If I had to guess, it’s a high ankle sprain and the recovery time will be based on the severity of the injury. Lucikly for Branch and the Lions, they get 10 days to prepare for their next game against the Carolina Panthers.