Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Brian Branch sent a strong message to the San Francisco 49ers on January 22.
Lions safety Brian Branch encountered another obstacle in his effort to return for Monday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Branch was sidelined during the Lions’ Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals following a helmet-to-helmet collision with tight end Trey McBride. He was placed in concussion protocol but seemed on track to be cleared for the September 30 game.
However, over the weekend, Branch faced a new setback, which Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire reported will likely keep him out.
“The team announced that Branch is now doubtful for Monday night’s game against the Seahawks due to an illness,” Risdon wrote. “That news, revealed Sunday morning, is concerning since no player listed as ‘doubtful’ has played under head coach Dan Campbell.”
Lions Potentially Without Both Top Safeties
The Lions already had a blow to their secondary when Ifeatu Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Melifonwu had been rehabbing from an ankle/Achilles injury sustained during training camp, aiming to return to a rotational role, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press noted.
“Melifonwu, in his contract’s final year, recorded two interceptions and three sacks in six starts last season after missing 17 games in his first two years due to injuries,” Birkett reported.
Risdon mentioned that undrafted rookie Loren Strickland and second-year player Brandon Joseph will likely take over at safety if Branch remains out.
Branch has been instrumental for the Lions this season, switching from cornerback to safety and starting all three games. He has accumulated seven tackles, one for a loss, and an interception.
Branch adapted well to the safety position, which he also played last season, though he expressed a desire for more reps at safety earlier.
“Honestly, I wish they’d given me more reps at safety last year because I’d be further along now,” Branch told Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News in July.
Difficult Week for Brian Branch
Branch initially appeared to have avoided a major injury last week. Both he and McBride lowered their helmets before the hit, and their collision left Branch motionless on the field for a few moments.
Branch was eventually helped off the field and taken to the locker room for a concussion evaluation.
Though he cleared concussion protocol, Branch faced additional repercussions on Saturday. SI.com’s John Maakaron reported that Branch was fined for the hit on McBride.
“He entered concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit with Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. The league fined him $10,128 for unnecessary roughness/use of helmet,” Maakaron wrote.
Branch also received the same fine for another hit during a Cardinals field goal attempt.
