Report: Lions' Branch out for year with torn Achilles

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing his Achilles during Thursday's 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Branch appeared to land awkwardly on his left foot after defending a third-down throw with 3:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. He made his way off the field with the assistance of the team's training staff and was taken to the locker room shortly thereafter.

The Lions' third-year defensive back was spotted in the locker room wearing a protective boot and using crutches postgame, according to The Detroit News' Nolan Bianchi.

Branch sported a noticeable limp at different moments in the contest after being listed as questionable with toe and ankle injuries. The Alabama product recorded one pass breakup and a fumble recovery before leaving the game.

Losing Branch is the latest setback for a Lions secondary that's experienced significant attrition due to injuries this season. Fellow safety Kerby Joseph (knee) missed his seventh consecutive game. Joseph's replacement, Thomas Harper, exited Thursday's contest in the first quarter after being placed in concussion protocol. Cornerback Terrion Arnold was placed on injured reserve Monday after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Branch recorded nine pass breakups, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks through 12 games this season. The 2023 second-round pick earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after tallying four interceptions.