Four weeks into the season, the Detroit Lions are still groping for form. They have been largely consistent, especially on defense, as they are missing the contributions of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, both of whom have been sidelined since last year.
The Lions lost to the Carolina Panthers, 32-26, on Sunday, dropping them to 2-2.
Branch, however, could return to practice this week, according to Campbell. The 24-year-old safety is still recovering from an Achilles injury he sustained against the Dallas Cowboys in December.
“We have not gotten confirmation from the doctor yet. That's the only thing we’re waiting for on Branch. I think it looks really good that he's going to practice this week,” said Campbell in a report from Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.
In a post on X, Birkett noted that the 50-year-old Campbell revealed more good news.
Article Continues Below“A fired-up Dan Campbell on ‘Costa & Jansen' this morning said Cade Mays should join Brian Branch on the field at practice this week. Doesn't mean either will play Sunday versus Arizona (Cardinals),” wrote Birkett.
Mays suffered an Achilles injury in the same game as Branch.
After their tussle with the Cardinals, the Lions will have a bye week. Thus, the earliest Branch and Mays could suit up, barring unforeseen circumstances, is on October 25 versus the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.
While Branch and Mays are close to returning, Campbell revealed that Rock Ya-Sin “could miss time” due to a hamstring injury and Tyleik Williams is “touch and go” due to a leg injury. Both of them got hurt against the Panthers.