The Lions fear that star safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles in the team’s Thursday night win over the Cowboys, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It was reported earlier this morning (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero) that Branch had been diagnosed with an Achilles injury pending further tests, stirring fears of a tear that would end his season. That will indeed be the case, as it is far too late in the season for Branch to rush back to the field.
The third-year safety limped off the field late in Thursday’s game and was carted back to the locker room. The Lions initially announced that Branch injured his ankle. After the game, he was seen in a walking boot and crutches (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press), and head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the injury was believed to be serious.
Branch’s absence will be a huge loss for the Lions defense, especially considering the myriad of other injuries in their secondary. Cornerback Terrion Arnold is out for the season after shoulder surgery and safety Kerby Joseph has not played since Week 6. Two other cornerbacks, D.J. Reed and Ennis Rakestraw, have also missed a significant amount of time.
Branch was one of the few reasons the unit stayed afloat as long as it did. Though the Lions have given up at least 325 passing yards twice in their last three games, they also held their previous three opponents to under 200 yards through the air. Detroit only won three of those six games, putting them at 8-5 and in third place in the NFC North. They trail the Bears (9-3) and Packers (8-3-1) with one win against the former and two losses against the other. The Lions will go to Chicago in Week 18 for a game that could have huge playoff implications.
More to come.
Just like last year, Lions limping to the finish line.
Man literally in this case. Hard to say which job is more dangerous at this point. Crash test dummy or DB for the Lions.