The NFL announced Saturday that three Detroit Lions players have received fines for infractions committed during last week’s game against the New York Giants. Safety Brian Branch was penalized for the second consecutive week, assessed a $23,186 fine for unnecessary roughness after delivering a hit on a defenseless receiver. The previous week, Branch was fined for a similar violation stemming from a hit on a Philadelphia Eagles player in Week 11.
Branch’s disciplinary history has mounted throughout the season. He was fined twice in the team’s Week 1 loss to Green Bay — once for a low block and later for a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Baltimore Ravens. Earlier in the year, he also served a one-game suspension following a postgame altercation with Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Despite these setbacks, Branch has remained a key contributor for Detroit, recording 69 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks through 11 games.
Two additional Lions players were disciplined for actions against the Giants. Linebacker Jack Campbell received a $17,389 fine for a hip-drop tackle, and offensive lineman Dan Skipper was fined $6,917 for taunting. The league’s fine announcements typically lag one week, meaning any penalties from Detroit’s Week 13 loss to Green Bay will be revealed next Saturday.
Ragnow’s Return Halted by Failed Physical
In other roster developments, the Lions’ hopes for a midseason boost on the offensive line were dashed when veteran center Frank Ragnow failed his physical due to a Grade 3 hamstring strain, preventing him from rejoining the team for the 2025 season. With Graham Glasgow already sidelined, Detroit now faces pressing questions about its depth at center.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in backup Trystan Colon, who made his first start of the year on Thanksgiving. Colon, signed after Ragnow’s offseason retirement, had been used sparingly before being called upon last week.
Additionally, rookie center Kingsley Eguakun—elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Packers game—could factor into the rotation later this season. Although he did not see game action Thursday, the coaching staff is expected to continue evaluating his readiness as Detroit navigates a critical stretch of its schedule.
