Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t ready to put a firm timetable on Brian Branch’s return from the torn Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Campbell was asked whether Branch could be ready for Week 1. While he didn’t rule it out, he made it clear that the Lions are taking a cautious approach.
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“I guess there’s always a chance,” Campbell said. “Until we get closer, I hate to start throwing a timetable on him. I’m just gonna go ahead and widen the window so we don’t have to talk about it anymore. Let’s just say December. That way, anything before that is a bonus.”
Campbell also noted that there have been “No setbacks” for Branch as he continues to rehab his Achilles injury.
Branch remains one of Detroit’s most important defensive players, and the Lions will continue prioritizing his long-term health as he works his way back. If the standout defensive back returns before Campbell’s tongue-in-cheek December timeline, it will be viewed as a major boost for Detroit’s defense heading into the stretch run.