The Detroit Lions have officially activated safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the return of both players following their long absences, though he indicated that their playing time will be managed carefully to ensure they are fully integrated back into the rotation. Campbell stated that while Branch will not see a full workload, the team expects him to handle a significant number of snaps after missing the season with a torn Achilles. The Lions plan on returning both Cade Mays and Brian Branch vs. the Packers. Regarding Mays, the coach emphasized that the center position requires consistency that makes rotation difficult, signaling that Mays is the clear choice to start despite the strong play of backup Juice Scruggs. Campbell said they would like to give Cade Mays a go here. This move stabilizes the secondary and offensive line just as the team prepares for its first NFC North test since the bye week.
LaPorta Contract Dispute Escalates
Tight end Sam LaPorta has escalated his contract dispute by publicly stating he is prepared to play elsewhere if the Lions do not meet his financial demands. Speaking on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, LaPorta expressed frustration over the lack of an extension despite his physical contributions, specifically referencing a back injury that required surgery last year. LaPorta told Pardon My Take that he broke his back for the team last year. He made it clear that his future in Detroit is not guaranteed, noting that if the team does not show him the “love” of a new deal, he will simply go get paid in free agency. LaPorta said he will go get paid somewhere else if he does not wear the Honolulu blue anymore. This public airing of grievances adds a layer of distraction to a roster that is otherwise focused on the Packers game, but it also clarifies the stakes for general manager Brad Holmes. The tight end is in the final year of his rookie contract and is on pace for career highs in receptions and yards, yet negotiations have reportedly stalled. The situation forces the front office to weigh the immediate chemistry of the offense against the long-term financial flexibility required to build a contender, especially with other key extensions already signed.
Joseph Injury Recovery Update
Safety Kerby Joseph continues to make progress in his recovery from a knee injury, with both the coaching staff and the player expressing optimism about a return before the season ends. Campbell noted on Wednesday that the strength Joseph is gaining in his knee suggests he will play again this year, a sentiment reinforced by a video posted by the safety showing him cutting and running at full speed. Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket that he feels optimistic Joseph will play for them before the season’s out. While no specific timeline was given, the visual evidence of Joseph’s mobility suggests the Lions’ safety depth will soon be further bolstered beyond Branch’s return.
Offensive Line Dominance Continues
The Lions’ offensive line remains the league’s top unit through five weeks, anchored by Penei Sewell’s seamless transition to left tackle. Pro Football Focus ranks the group first in the NFL, with Sewell earning a 90.9 overall grade and Christian Mahogany and Juice Scruggs posting elite marks at guard and center respectively. No. 1 offensive tackle in the entire NFL by PFF. This dominance provides the foundation for Jared Goff’s high-efficiency passing game and allows the run game to operate with consistent push, a critical factor as the team faces a division rival known for its defensive front.
Defensive Flexibility Against Packers
Dan Campbell hinted that the return of Branch gives the defense flexibility to utilize various personnel groupings against the Packers’ deep threats. With Branch capable of playing both high and low in the secondary, the coaching staff plans to deploy veteran Chuck Clark and rookie Keith Abney alongside him to handle Green Bay’s vertical passing game. Campbell said Branch gives the flexibility to do whatever they want with anybody else. The coach acknowledged that the Packers present a “pick your poison” scenario with their deep-ball threats and Pro Bowl tight end Tucker Kraft, requiring the secondary to make specific choices on coverage rather than trying to stop everything.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
