DETROIT – Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch will miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, according to reports.
Jeremy Fowler, of ESPN, said tests confirmed the tear on Friday morning.
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Branch got hurt during the fourth quarter of the Lions’ win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
Now the Lions, at 8-5 and still on the outside of the NFC playoff picture, will be forced to make a run at the postseason without their two top defensive backs.
Fellow safety Kerby Joseph, who led the NFL in interceptions last season, is out with a knee injury.
Depending on the severity of the Achilles tear, Branch seems likely to miss much or all of the 2026-27 season, as well. The former second-round pick is scheduled to hit free agency after that season.
He finished 2025 with 75 tackles, 48 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defended.
The Lions travel to Los Angeles to play the Rams next weekend before finishing the season against the Steelers, Vikings, and Bears.
Source: Tests this morning confirmed that Lions star safety Brian Branch has torn his Achilles.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 5, 2025
Branch was injured in the fourth quarter. Tough loss for Detroit defensive backfield.