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Lions’ Brian Branch Returns to Practice, Set to Face Vikings After One-Game Ban

His return follows an upheld suspension for striking JuJu Smith-Schuster, with a vow to keep his intensity within the whistle.

Overview

  • Branch practiced Tuesday after serving a one-game suspension without pay for a postgame strike following the Oct. 12 loss at Kansas City.
  • An independent hearing officer appointed through the NFL and NFLPA upheld his suspension after an appeal.
  • During his absence for the Week 7 win over the Buccaneers, several Lions players and coaches wore his No. 32 jersey in a show of support.
  • He apologized, said the incident will not happen again, and shared plans to be baptized on Wednesday as he turns over a new leaf.
  • He is expected to rejoin the lineup against the Vikings, promising relentless effort while controlling emotions; through six games he has 33 tackles, five passes defended and one forced fumble.