Overview
- Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday he has no firm timetable for Brian Branch’s recovery, floated “December” as a wide latest-case window, and called any earlier return a bonus.
- Campbell and team sources report Branch has had no setbacks in rehab and is progressing, but they stressed there is still no definitive return date with training camp in late July set as the next on-field evaluation.
- Branch could open the season on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, which requires missing at least four games and would keep him out of early matchups with New Orleans, Buffalo, New York and Carolina.
- The Lions added veteran depth this offseason by signing Chuck Clark and Christian Izien and re-signing Avonte Maddox so the safety room can cover Branch’s possible early absence while coaches test lineup combinations.
- Because Branch enters a contract year and Achilles injuries typically follow an eight-to-12-month recovery, Detroit leaders say they will likely wait for clearer evidence of long-term health before moving on any major extension which could affect his earnings and the team’s roster plans.