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The Detroit Lions ruled out cornerback Brian Branch for the Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Detroit Lions received some extra rest after playing the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 4. But it wasn’t enough time for rookie cornerback Brian Branch’s ankle.
The Lions ruled out Branch for the Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers because of an ankle injury.
Branch suffered an ankle injury during the second half against the Packers. He initially couldn’t put much weight on the hurt ankle, but after receiving treatment, which included a lot tape on his cleats, he tried to return to the game.
But apparently no amount of tape will allow Branch to play in Week 5.
Detroit could also be missing a key member of its offense. The Lions listed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown as doubtful because of an abdomen issue on their October 6 injury report.
Lions Rule Out Brian Branch in Week 5
Branch didn’t practice all week, so it’s not all that surprising he won’t play against the Panthers.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell added that there is “a little bit” of a concern Branch could miss more than one game.
“I don’t think it’s this long-term,” Campbell told reporters on October 6. “That’s why we didn’t put him on IR, so we’re hopeful for Tampa, but we’ll just have to play it by ear.”
Branch has only played four games in the NFL, but his absence will be significant for the Lions in Week 5. The rookie has played really well as the team’s starting slot cornerback.
In four games, Branch has posted 25 combined tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, 4 pass defenses and 1 interception. He recorded a season-high 11 tackles in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. He returned his interception for a touchdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
Branch has played 77% of Detroit’s defensive snaps this season. His 25 tackles are tied for the team lead.
Campbell explained that the Lions have options for slot cornerback without Branch. But Will Harris is expected to handle the bulk of the snaps at nickel cornerback for Detroit versus the Panthers.
The Lions also ruled out full back Jason Cabinda for Week 5 because of a knee injury.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Doubtful For Week 5
Branch isn’t a household name in the NFL just yet, but St. Brown is. If St. Brown can’t play against the Panthers, what the Lions lose will be pretty obvious.
St. Brown leads Detroit with 26 receptions, 331 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns this season. His 35 targets is almost twice as many as the team’s second-leading receiver, Josh Reynolds, who has 19 targets.
Last year, St. Brown made the Pro Bowl with 106 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He eclipsed the 900-yard and 90-catch marks in 2021 as well.
If he doesn’t play in Week 5, Lions quarterback Jared Goff will be without his favorite target. Reynolds, Marvin Jones Jr. and Sam LaPorta will likely see more targets.
Detroit could also rely more on the running game without St. Brown. The Lions rushed for 211 yards against the Packers last week.
In addition to St. Brown, tight end James Mitchell is listed as doubtful. The Lions also have numerous players who are listed as questionable on their injury report.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions for Heavy.com. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including Fansided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
