By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions’ secondary is already dealing with some injuries, and now Brian Branch is stirring things up — though maybe not in the way fans hoped. After a heated postgame scuffle with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, Branch was handed a one-game suspension by the NFL. But don’t expect him to sit quietly — Branch plans to appeal.
Branch’s Side of the Story
Branch is owning up, kind of. “I did a little childish thing,” he admitted, “I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it… I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”
The incident reportedly began after an illegal block in the back that went uncalled earlier in the game. Frustration boiled over near midfield after the final whistle, resulting in a short scuffle that was caught on national TV. Branch is standing by his actions enough to appeal, but also acknowledges he could have handled it better.
What’s at Stake
If the appeal doesn’t go his way, Branch will miss next Monday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — a pivotal game that could shape Detroit’s playoff path. His absence would further weaken a secondary already missing key players like Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed.
Money is also on the line. Branch, who earns around $1.38 million this season, would lose roughly $76,625 if the suspension stands. And for the Lions, every defensive player counts, especially in a season where each game feels like a must-win.
The Takeaway
Branch’s suspension isn’t just a personal setback — it’s a reminder of how quickly emotions can boil over in the NFL. The Lions are 4–2 and aiming for consistency, and whether Branch is on the field next Monday could make a huge difference. One thing’s for sure: he’s not going down without a fight.