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Lions Sign Veteran Safety Damontae Kazee to Practice Squad After Brian Branch’s Season-Ending Achilles Tear

Detroit seeks immediate safety depth with a quick call-up expected from the practice squad.

Overview

  • Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14 and will miss the rest of the 2025 season, a loss Dan Campbell said "is going to hurt."
  • The Lions added Damontae Kazee to the practice squad, with NFL Network reporting plans to fast-track his elevation to the 53-man roster.
  • Detroit also signed defensive lineman Pat O’Connor to the practice squad and released wide receiver Andrew Armstrong.
  • Kerby Joseph remains sidelined with a knee issue and Thomas Harper is in concussion protocol, leaving Avonte Maddox, Daniel Thomas and Erick Hallett as immediate options in the secondary.
  • Kazee, a nine-year veteran with 17 career interceptions and limited defensive snaps for the Browns this season, joins an 8-5 team entering a pivotal road game against the Rams as it chases an NFC playoff spot.