From Detroit Lions On SI · · 1m 50s
Lions Safety Branch Returns, Three Players Impacted
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch returns from injury, impacting three players on defense.
In brief
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch returns from injury, impacting three players on defense. Brian Branch's return from injury boosts Detroit Lions defense, shifting roles for Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and Keith Abney II. Originally reported by Detroit Lions On SI.
Brian Branch returns from injury
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is expected to suit up for the first time this season when the Lions play Green Bay Packers Sunday at Ford Field.
Two players returning from injury
Center Cade Mays is also trending toward playing, making Branch one of two big returns the Lions get from injury.
Impact on defense
Branch's return adds significant production to Detroit's defense heading into a pivotal stretch with back-to-back division games at home.
Chuck Clark
Clark, a veteran who inked a one-year deal with Detroit, could fill the starting lineup next to Branch after being expected to fill in for depth.
Christian Izien
Izien, who missed the season opener with an injury, has shuffled between nickel and safety but may be limited to special teams with Branch returning.
Keith Abney II
Abney recorded his first-career interception and earned a longer look after playing the safety spot in Detroit's defense for the first time.
Role shifts for defense
With Branch likely returning in a significant role, Clark appears to be the best option to play alongside him at this stage of the season.
Izien's role uncertainty
Izien may be limited to special teams with Branch returning, as he did not play one defensive snap in their win over Arizona Cardinals.
Abney's future role
The Lions could experiment with playing Abney more on the boundary or in the nickel spot to fill gaps in their defense.
The essence
Brian Branch's return from injury boosts Detroit Lions defense, shifting roles for Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, and Keith Abney II.
