Breaking news out of the NFL: the league has confirmed that Brian Branch’s one‑game suspension has been upheld following his appeal. That means Branch will not suit up for the Detroit Lions in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The situation began after Detroit’s Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Branch was at the center of a postgame incident. As the game ended, Branch is reported to have struck Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith‑Schuster in the facemask, an act that ignited a brief but notable on‑field scuffle. (NFL.com) In a letter accompanying the suspension, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan described Branch’s actions as “aggressive, non‑football” and “entirely unwarranted,” warning that they posed a serious risk of injury and violated the standards of conduct expected of NFL players.
Branch acknowledged his wrongdoing. He called his behavior “childish,” though he also contended he was reacting to what he felt were uncalled fouls and perceived attempts to “bully” him on the field. (NFL.com) Detroit head coach Dan Campbell strongly condemned the act, telling reporters: “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable.” He apologized on behalf of the team to Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Smith‑Schuster.
Branch’s appeal was heard by Jordy Nelson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association to serve as the hearing officer. Nelson ruled in favor of the league, denying Branch’s request to overturn or reduce the suspension. (ESPN) With the appeal denied, Branch will sit out Monday night’s showdown, and he forfeits pay for that game. (Reuters)
This ruling is a blow to Detroit’s defense, particularly their secondary. Branch has been a starter in every game so far this season, recording 33 tackles, a sack, five passes defensed, and one forced fumble through six games. (Reuters) The Lions already have injury concerns among their defensive backs, including safety Kerby Joseph and cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Avonte MaddoxTo supplement their depth, the Lions have recently added players like Kendall Fuller, Nick Whiteside, Arthur Maulet, and Erick Hallett, and they may need to get creative with their defensive alignments—potentially shifting linebackers into roles or relying more on hybrid personnel packages.
The timing couldn’t be more consequential. The Week 7 matchups carry extra weight in the NFC landscape, and the Lions now must navigate a primetime game without one of their defensive playmakers. The Buccaneers (5–1) will get to face a depleted Detroit secondary, and the Lions must lean on younger or less experienced alternatives to fill the void. (Reuters)
As of now, Branch is eligible to return to the active roster beginning Tuesday, October 21, during Detroit’s bye week. That opens the door for him to resume play in Week 8, assuming no further disciplinary measures or complications.
This development reinforces how the league views postgame misconduct, especially when it escalates beyond verbal exchange into physical contact after the whistle. The NFL’s disciplinary message is clear: actions occurring after the game carries just as much weight, if not more, when it comes to accountability. For Detroit, the immediate challenge is coverage and consistency in the secondary, maintaining defensive cohesion, and minimizing the disruption caused by the absence of a key piece.
