The veteran portion of training camp for the Detroit Lions doesn’t kick off officially until Tuesday, but the team already made some roster tweaks on a few key defensive players.
Defensive back Brian Branch was one of three players placed on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp. Branch had offseason surgery on an injured ankle and was in street clothes throughout OTAs and minicamp.
Free agent signees DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport were also placed on the PUP list to start camp. Reader is coming back from a torn quadriceps, while Davenport’s 2023 season ended early with a high ankle sprain.
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All were placed on the active PUP list, meaning they can be activated at any time before the regular season.
#Lions announce roster moves:
Placed DB Brian Branch, OLB Marcus Davenport, and DL DJ Reader on Active/PUP
Placed OL Giovanni Manu on Active/NFI
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 21, 2024
The Lions also placed fourth-round rookie Giovanni Manu on the non-football injury list. He is also eligible to be activated for duty at any time.