The Detroit Lions greatly improved their chances of making the playoffs by beating the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, but the victory came at a significant cost.
Lions safety Brian Branch suffered a leg injury late in his team’s 44-30 Week 14 win over the Cowboys at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Branch jumped up to try to make a play on a ball that was thrown into the end zone during the fourth quarter, and he landed awkwardly on his right leg.
Brian Branch R ankle sprain video
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 5, 2025
-Concern for high ankle sprain. Ext rotation and foot gets slightly trapped.
-Carted off
-Hope XR negative pic.twitter.com/8OCKkuUU4P
Branch was carted to the locker room after the play. There was initially speculation that he suffered an ankle injury, but unfortunately it was much worse.
On Friday, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Branch is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles. If confirmed, Branch would be ruled out for the remainder of the season and potentially into 2026.
Branch, who was drafted in the second round out of Alabama in 2023, made his first Pro Bowl appearance last season. He is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and arguably the most important player on the Lions’ defense.
Detroit’s secondary was already banged up, with Kerby Joseph sidelined due to a knee injury and Terrion Arnold out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Lions could have major defensive problems going forward, particularly against the pass.
The Lions improved to 8-5 with their win over the Cowboys and are currently the No. 8 seed in the NFC. They still have work to do in order to make the playoffs, and the task will become a lot more difficult without Branch.
