# Detroit Lions safety injury recovery updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/detroit-lions-safety-injury-recovery-updates > Updated: 2026-10-20T17:19:18.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has returned to practice following a ten-month absence caused by an Achilles tendon injury. After starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Branch entered a 21-day practice window to facilitate his return to the active roster. While he was not expected to play immediately in Week 5, the team utilized a scheduled bye week to assist his acclimation. By Week 7, head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the team expects Branch to return to the lineup for the game against the Green Bay Packers. Although Campbell noted Branch might not play a full game in his debut, the coach highlighted that his versatility would provide the defense with more creative coverage options. Updates also addressed the status of teammate Kerby Joseph, who has been sidelined for over a year with a chronic knee injury. While no specific timeline for his return was established, Campbell expressed optimism that Joseph will play during the current season. In the interim, the Lions have been utilizing Chuck Clark and rookie Keith Abney in the safety rotation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Detroit Lions expect return of safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expects safety Kerby Joseph to play this season and anticipates Brian Branch's return to the lineup in Week 7. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/detroit-lions-expect-return-of-safeties-brian-branch-and-kerby-joseph ### 2026-10-07: Brian Branch returns to Detroit Lions practice after Achilles injury Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has returned to practice after a ten-month Achilles injury absence, providing a boost to the team's secondary ahead of their upcoming schedule. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brian-branch-returns-to-detroit-lions-practice-after-achilles-injury --- Cite as: Detroit Lions safety injury recovery updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/detroit-lions-safety-injury-recovery-updates