Safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays returned to Wednesday’s practice, officially starting their 21-day acclimation clocks after spending the first four weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list. While both players are eligible to be activated immediately, head coach Dan Campbell indicated they likely will not play against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, prioritizing a gradual ramp-up from their respective long-term injuries.
Branch, recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in December, described the return as a relief after ten months of rehabilitation. It has been a long time coming, he told reporters, emphasizing that he feels “starving” to get back on the field. Campbell noted that while there will be some rust to shake off, Branch’s instinctive playmaking ability will immediately alleviate stress on the secondary, which currently ranks last in the NFL in both passing yards allowed and total defense.
Mays is also back in the mix following surgery on a wrist injury sustained in training camp. His return offers depth to an offensive line that has shown inconsistency despite a solid start to the season. PUP list, with Branch’s best chance for a debut coming in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers following the team’s upcoming bye week.
In contract news, tight end Sam LaPorta offered his first public comments since reports surfaced that extension talks had stalled. LaPorta described the current status as a “stalemate” but remained optimistic about a future resolution, citing the organization’s history of taking chances on him. I would like to think that I’m optimistic, LaPorta said, noting that he has left financial negotiations entirely to his agent, Jack Bechta.
LaPorta acknowledged that other players from his 2023 draft class have secured lucrative extensions, including Tucker Kraft and Michael Mayer, but insisted he is not fixated on resetting the market or being the highest-paid tight end. He stated his focus remains on his performance, adding that he expects the front office and his agent to eventually reach a deal. Dan Campbell reinforced this sentiment, dismissing the stalemate as a non-issue for the team’s current focus while praising LaPorta’s recent production.
Trade Targets Emerge
Following the Lions’ failure to acquire Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler suggested two alternative defensive back targets for Detroit to consider before the trade deadline. Fowler identified Kansas City cornerback Kristian Fulton as a potential fit, noting the Chiefs might be willing to split his $5 million guaranteed salary to facilitate a move.
Fowler also mentioned Pittsburgh star Jalen Ramsey as a long-shot option, though he questioned Ramsey’s availability and suitability given the veteran’s recent transition to a nickel or safety role. The analysis highlighted Fulton’s solid performance this season with the Chiefs, where he holds a 76.0 overall grade despite limited snaps, contrasting with Ramsey’s high cost and age.
2027 Draft Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, The Game Haus released a new mock draft that projects the Arizona Cardinals selecting quarterback Darian Mensah with the ninth overall pick. The mock also sees the Houston Texans taking wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at number one, while the Tennessee Titans select cornerback Leonard Moore.
The draft projection suggests a deep class of quarterbacks and defensive backs, with the New York Jets appearing twice in the top 12 picks to address both offensive and defensive needs. While these projections are speculative, they highlight the depth of talent emerging in the college ranks that could impact the Lions’ future draft strategy.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
