The Detroit Lions took a major hit this week — and it didn’t come from a loss on the field. All-pro safety Brian Branch is officially suspended for one game, following a shocking punch thrown at the Kansas City Chiefs’ JuJu Smith‑Schuster in a post-game altercation that erupted after Detroit’s 30-17 defeat.
The league handed down the punishment after determining the act was “aggressive, non-football, unwarranted,” according to official documentation.
Branch’s absence couldn’t come at a worse time. The Lions are already dealing with injury carnage in the secondary — and now one of their biggest playmakers is gone for a key upcoming game. Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation head-on, reiterating the team must adjust without Branch and lock in across the back end.
With Branch out, Detroit must rely on lesser-tested options to fill the void. The timing is brutal: one of the league’s rising stars now watching from the sidelines while the Lions scramble to patch holes in their core unit. One punch. One suspension. And suddenly, Detroit’s defensive identity is shaken.
The message is clear: the Lions are in chaos. And unless they regroup fast — this could derail more than just one game.
Detroit’s Defense in Free-Fall? Brian Branch’s Suspension Adds To the Mayhem
