Brian Branch among 17 Lions players limited/out at OTAs after undergoing surgery
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions began Organized Team Activities this week, and while Dan Campbell has been pleased with the overall fitness of his team, there are a slew of players limited by injury. Brian Branch is among them.
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions began Organized Team Activities this week, and while Dan Campbell has been pleased with the overall fitness of his team, there are a slew of players limited by injury. Brian Branch is among them.
The defensive back suffered an injury during his standout rookie season that was refusing to heal, and eventually underwent surgery to accelerate the process. He’s not expected to participate in OTAs this month or minicamp next month, but should get the green light in time to be full go for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
. He’s not expected to participate in OTAs this month or minicamp next month, but should get the green light in time to be full go for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
As the Detroit Lions gear up for another season, a key piece of their defensive puzzle, Brian Branch, is currently sidelined during the team’s organized team activities (OTAs). The absence of the second-year defensive back was a major topic during head coach Dan Campbell’s initial press conference of the OTAs, where he provided a comprehensive injury update.
Injury Background and Current Status
Brian Branch, known for his sharp skills and agility on the field, was seen using a scooter and sporting a walking boot recently, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season. Addressing these concerns, Coach Campbell disclosed that Branch underwent a minor surgical procedure to address an issue that did not heal as expected after the last season. The surgery, described by Campbell as a “little cleanup,” was deemed necessary to ensure Branch’s optimal performance for the rigorous demands of the NFL.
Recovery and Expectations
Despite the current hiccup, the outlook for Branch’s recovery is positive. Coach Campbell, with his characteristic blend of humor and straightforwardness, noted Branch’s enjoyment of the mobility scooter but emphasized the team’s confidence in his rehabilitation progress. The Lions anticipate that Branch will be back in action by the time training camp rolls around. Campbell expressed confidence that even if Branch’s return is slightly delayed, he will have ample time to get the necessary repetitions to be fully prepared for the regular season.
“Yeah, he had a little cleanup there,” Campbell explained. “Something that, coming out of last year, thought it might heal and then it just ended up being, ‘We just better get this thing done.’ So that’s where he’s at, that and I think he likes riding the scooter. But we feel like he’s progressing well, we feel like he’ll be ready to go in camp. If not, early enough (that) it’ll be, certainly, he’ll get enough reps to be ready for the season.”
Looking Ahead
The temporary absence of Brian Branch at OTAs is a precautionary measure as the Lions look to ensure the long-term health and effectiveness of one of their promising defensive talents. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Branch’s recovery and his ability to contribute to a defense that looks to build on last year’s performances. The Lions and their fans are hopeful that the young defender will not only return on schedule but also continue his trajectory as a pivotal player for the team’s defensive strategies.
