US EditionLions Standout Safety Brian Branch Tore His Achilles Tendon Against the Cowboys, AP Source Says
Brian Branch’s Achilles injury worsens Detroit Lions’ safety crisis as key players remain sidelined, impacting defensive depth in recent games, Jeremy Fowler reported.
- On Thursday, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the win over the Dallas Cowboys, tests confirmed Friday by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Dec. 5, 2025.
- Detroit's secondary has been ravaged by injury all season, with Kerby Joseph, Lions safety, missing seven games and Terrion Arnold, Lions cornerback, placed on season-ending injured reserve.
- Late in the fourth quarter Branch defended a third-down throw to Jake Ferguson, landed awkwardly and was carted off; Daniel Thomas helped D.J. Reed seal the game after entering.
- Now at 8-5 and still outside the NFC playoff picture, the Detroit Lions must chase the postseason without their two top defensive backs.
- Given Achilles recoveries can take six months to a year, Brian Branch faces a contract year and free agency after that season, risking missing much of 2026-27 depending on severity.
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The Morning Sun
The Oakland PressFinal Drive: Can Lions withstand latest injury setback?
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions were dealt another significant blow to their secondary on Thursday night. Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch suffered an Achilles injury that will end his season, a massive blow as the team looks to finish strong and find its way into the playoffs. Related Articles Veteran WR Tom Kennedy making ‘huge’ difference in Lions’ lineup Lions safety Brian Branch out for season Lions’ …
Lions' Brian Branch out for season with torn achilles
A lot of Lion’s fans watched with shock upon seeing this injury take place. Multiple reports say Lions Safety Brian Branch tore his Achilles in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game. The severity of it was not known until further testing was done.
Associated Press News
Lions standout safety Brian Branch tore his Achilles tendon against the Cowboys, AP source says
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch tore his left Achilles tendon against the Dallas Cowboys, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Detroit News
Lions safety Brian Branch out for season
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