The Detroit Lions placed defensive back Brian Branch on their physically unable-to-perform list ahead of his second season with the franchise. Joining defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport on the PUP along with rookie offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, who was placed on the Non-Football Injury list.
Branch’s PUP placement did not come as much of a surprise after he had missed all of Detroit’s offseason program workouts following cleanup surgery in his ankle following his rookie season with the Lions. Seen in walking boot and scooter following the 2024 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season with the Lions, Branch appeared in 15 games and started in nine. Ranking fifth on the team with 74 tackles and also added 13 passes defended, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble to his stat line. Bursting onto the scene in his first career NFL game with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown on a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes in a 20-21 Week 1 win for Detroit.
The Lions selected Branch with the No. 45 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama. A part of the Crimson Tide’s 2020 National Championship team and a First-team All-American selection in 2022. As Detroit hopes the versatile defensive back can return to full health soon and help contribute to their defense once again.
This report will be further updated momentarily