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Lions Are Activating Brian Branch, Will Make Season Debut vs Packers

On Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, the Detroit Lions officially activated defensive back Brian Branch from the reserve/PUP list and center Cade Mays from the reserve/injured list, adding both to the active 53-man roster for today's Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.
Branch returns from a torn Achilles sustained last December, while Mays recovers from a broken wrist suffered during training camp; both players returned to practice Oct. 7 after extended recoveries.
Lions coach Dan Campbell plans to "just rip this Band-Aid off" and start Mays at center, moving Juice Scruggs to a reserve role. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard confirmed Branch will play his first game in more than 10 months.
The Green Bay Packers also activated star running back Josh Jacobs from the commissioner's exempt list after he missed the first six weeks, adding another dynamic weapon for the division matchup.
Coming off their bye week with a clean injury report, the Lions face a critical Week 7 test in this pivotal NFC North division game, with both teams now at full strength heading into Ford Field.

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Detroit Lions Activate Brian Branch And Cade Mays Ahead Of Packers Showdown

Brian Branch is back after an Achilles injury, while Cade Mays is set for his Detroit debut following Saturday's roster moves ahead of the Packers game.

1 day ago·New Delhi, India

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Daily Snark

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Lions Are Activating Brian Branch, Will Make Season Debut vs Packers

The Detroit Lions are getting a big boost defensively and they need it. The Detroit Lions have officially activated safety Brian Branch from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP). Branch will make his season debut on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers with his questionable designations removed, and the team expecting him to play a […]

1 day ago

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Alabama Live

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Former Alabama defender Brian Branch expected to make 2026 debut

Ten months after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, Detroit Lions cornerback Brian Branch will make his season debut on Sunday afternoon when the Lions take on the rival Green Bay Packers. In the lead up to the Lions season, the discussion of Branch and his return was discussed but the estimated time of arrival was in question. However, the next question remains is how many snaps he may get.

1 day ago·Birmingham, United States

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