Lions' top 10 most impactful injuries of 2025: No. 10, Brian Branch

The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 NFL season with a 9-8 record, finishing fourth in the NFC North and missing the playoffs. Injuries played a significant role in their performance, with the team ranking as the second-most injured in the league based on man-games lost, following a similar issue in 2024 where they were No. 1.

There were 10 injuries that stood out as most impactful in chronological order. Previously on Lions Wire:

• No. 1 Taylor Decker – shoulder
• No. 2 Alim McNeill – ACL
• No. 3 Kerby Joseph – knee
• No. 4 Marcus Davenport – shoulder
• No. 5 Terrion Arnold – shoulder
• No. 6 DJ Reed – hamstring
• No. 7 Christian Mahogany – leg
• No. 8 Sam LaPorta – back
• No. 9 Frank Ragnow – hamstring strain

Full list of Top 10 most impactful Lions injuries of 2025: Read the complete article at JimmyLiaoMD.com.

Now, No. 10:

No. 10: Dec. 4, 2025 (Week 14) – Brian Branch right Achilles

Brian Branch’s 2025 regular season with the Detroit Lions ended early after 12 games due to a right Achilles injury. Before the injury, he was a key starter for the Lions’ defense.

Injury Timeline

• December 4, 2025 (Week 14): Branch sustained a right Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter against the Cowboys. He was seen limping off the field and was eventually carted to the locker room.
• December 5, 2025: An MRI confirmed a full Achilles tendon tear. The Lions officially ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025 season.
• Mid-December 2025: Branch underwent successful surgery to repair the tear within a week of the injury.

Here is an excerpt from my article:

The safety position took its second massive blow with Branch’s injury, which ended his season and will likely affect the next season as well. -Jimmy Liao MD

Injury video

Brian Branch Achilles video
-Here is the superslow closeup view. Focus on the calf muscle which does seem to pop. Does not confirm rupture but certainly worrisome. pic.twitter.com/2qXpduc4el

— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 5, 2025

NFL Career Statistics (2023–2025)

Statistic	Career Total
Games Played	43
Total Tackles	243–258
Pass Deflections	38
Interceptions	7
Sacks	4.5
Forced Fumbles	3
Defensive Touchdowns	1

OUTLOOK

A typical Achilles recovery is around 10-11 months. A return in October would be a good outcome for Branch.

For a full analysis of Branch’s Achilles injury, read my story here at JimmyLiaoMD.com

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions’ top 10 most impactful injuries of 2025: No. 10, Brian Branch