Dan Campbell Provides Huge Injury Update on Brian Branch & Cade Mays
The Detroit Lions received some much-needed positive news following their disappointing Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Head coach Dan Campbell revealed that both Brian Branch and Cade Mays are expected to return to practice this week, although neither player is guaranteed to suit up against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Speaking on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell said the two players are on the same timeline and that the Lions are waiting for final clearance from their doctors before getting them back onto the practice field.
That is significant news for a Detroit team that has been dealing with injuries while trying to find consistency on both sides of the football.
Brian Branch could provide a major boost
Branch’s potential return may be especially important for Detroit’s defense.
The Lions’ secondary has struggled badly through the opening four games, and the problems became even more obvious during Sunday’s 32-26 loss to Carolina. Getting Branch back would give the defense an experienced playmaker and another option in a safety group that has been searching for answers.
Chuck Clark has provided some solid play, but Detroit could benefit greatly from having Branch back in the rotation.
Cade Mays also nearing a return
Mays has been sidelined since suffering a wrist fracture during training camp. The Lions signed him to a three-year, $25 million contract during the offseason with the expectation that he would take over at center.
Juice Scruggs has filled in admirably in Mays’ absence, but Mays’ return could create an interesting decision for Campbell once he is fully healthy.
For now, though, the priority is simply getting both players back into football shape.
Their return to practice will open a 21-day window for the Lions to evaluate them before activating them to the 53-man roster. That means fans shouldn’t automatically expect either player to be on the field against Arizona.
Still, after the defensive struggles against Carolina, having Brian Branch and Cade Mays moving closer to a return is exactly the kind of update Detroit needed.
