By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s playoff push faces a defining test as injuries shred the secondary and a seasoned playmaker waits on the open market.
A Brutal Blow to Detroit’s Defense
The Detroit Lions’ season took a painful turn when safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles, an injury that not only wipes out the remainder of his year but also clouds part of his 2026 outlook. Branch has been the heartbeat of the Lions’ defensive backfield, and losing him now delivers a crushing blow at the worst possible moment.
With the Lions trying to claw their way back into the playoff picture, the timing couldn’t be more unforgiving. Already thinned by injuries, Detroit’s secondary is now held together with depth pieces and short-term solutions. That reality has sparked louder conversations around one urgent question: Do the Lions need to make a veteran addition now?
A Proven Veteran Waiting on the Sideline
One name continues to surface as a logical answer—Justin Simmons.
Sports Illustrated’s Christian Booher pointed to the former Pro Bowl safety as a potential lifeline for the Lions. Though Simmons last played in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, his résumé still commands attention across the league.
“A two-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time Second Team All-Pro, the 32-year-old has been out of the league the entire season,” Booher wrote. “However, he has expressed some interest in signing with a team down the stretch, and the opportunity to play for a contending team like Detroit could be enticing.”
Even if Simmons doesn’t return as the ball-hawking force he once was in his prime, Booher believes his football IQ and instincts alone could elevate a battered secondary.
“Even if Simmons isn’t his peak self, his instincts and ability to find and take the ball away would be a nice addition for the Lions amidst the injuries,” Booher added.
For Detroit, that kind of reliability might be exactly what’s needed to steady the ship.
Simmons Hasn’t Closed the Door on a Comeback
Simmons himself has been transparent about the idea of returning—if the situation is right. During an appearance on Up & Adams, the veteran safety made it clear that a playoff-caliber roster would be a major draw.
“Yeah, that would be awesome. I think it would be game-changing to play for DeMeco [Ryans]. I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Simmons said. “That would be a dream to be able to go with Houston. Right now, there’s not much talk, but that could change now that they’re back in the mix and hoping to make a run, so we’ll see.”
Houston may have been his example, but Detroit now checks many of the same boxes: urgency, opportunity, and a defense in need of leadership.
Detroit’s Margin for Error Is Shrinking Fast
The Lions showed resilience by responding to their Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay with a statement win over the Dallas Cowboys. That victory nudged their playoff odds to 45%, up from 30%, according to The Athletic. Still, Detroit remains outside the postseason picture and may need to win out to punch a ticket.
The Branch injury only complicates that climb. Fellow safety Kerby Joseph is already sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Detroit is suddenly without both of its primary back-end anchors.
Branch’s production made his value impossible to replace easily. In 2024 alone, he earned Pro Bowl honors, intercepted four passes, piled up 109 total tackles, and added four passes defensed. His loss strips the defense of both its aggression and its identity.
A Decision That Could Define the Stretch Run
The Lions aren’t forced to rush into a move—but the clock is ticking. A 10-day break before a trip to Los Angeles to face the NFC West-leading Rams gives the front office a narrow window to assess its options.
Signing a player like Justin Simmons wouldn’t just be a depth move. It would be a statement that Detroit still believes this season is very much alive.
With Brian Branch sidelined, the Lions are standing at a crossroads: trust the patchwork, or take a swing on experience. The next few days may quietly determine how far this team can really go.