The Detroit Lions are getting a big boost defensively and they need it.
The Detroit Lions have officially activated safety Brian Branch from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP).
Branch will make his season debut on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers with his questionable designations removed, and the team expecting him to play a major role.
In addition to Branch, the Lions are activating offensive lineman Cade Mays off injured reserve.
This marks Branch’s first game back since tearing his Achilles last December. His return provides a massive boost to a struggling Lions secondary; a sentiment echoed earlier in the week by head coach Dan Campbell.
“Here’s what’s great about getting BB back: BB gives you the flexibility—what do you want to do with anybody else?” Campbell said. “Because there are things you’re going to want to do with BB high, let him play top-down, and then there are things you want him to play underneath. And that doesn’t require somebody else playing off of him necessarily. He’ll make it right.”
It’s unclear how much Branch will play against the Packers, but Campbell indicated Friday that they are going to “let him go here and we’ll be smart.”
The Lions sit at 3-2 on the season.
