Lions Activate Brian Branch, Cade Mays Ahead of Packers Showdown

DETROIT, MI — The Detroit Lions are getting reinforcements at two important positions just in time for a divisional showdown.

Detroit activated defensive back Brian Branch from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and center Cade Mays from injured reserve Saturday, making both players eligible to return Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.

The moves come as the Lions prepare for a critical NFC North matchup against a Packers team looking to strengthen its position in the division.

Both players participated fully in practice this week, providing encouraging signs that they are ready to contribute.

Brian Branch Returns to Detroit’s Secondary

Branch’s return could be particularly significant for a Lions defense that has been without one of its most versatile playmakers.

The defensive back has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles in December 2025.

Branch’s ability to operate in multiple positions gives defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard additional flexibility in coverage and defensive alignments.

However, Detroit isn’t expected to immediately place a full-game workload on Branch.

Head coach Dan Campbell previously acknowledged that the team would carefully evaluate how many snaps Branch could handle in his first game back.

Even in a limited role, his presence could make a difference against Green Bay.

Cade Mays Adds Competition Along the Offensive Line

Mays is also positioned to make his Lions debut after missing the opening five games with a wrist injury sustained during training camp.

Detroit signed Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract during the offseason, expecting him to compete for a significant role along the offensive line.

In his absence, Juice Scruggs has performed well at center.

That creates an interesting decision for Campbell and his coaching staff.

While Mays was brought to Detroit with expectations of becoming an important contributor, Scruggs has made a case to remain involved.

Campbell has indicated that Detroit could explore different combinations along the interior offensive line.

Regardless of who receives the majority of snaps, the Lions now have additional flexibility and depth.

MCSN Analysis: The Timing Couldn’t Be Better

For Detroit, these roster moves represent more than two players returning from injuries.

The Lions are entering an important stretch of their schedule, and having additional contributors available could prove valuable.

Branch gives Detroit another defensive weapon capable of changing how opposing offenses attack the secondary.

Mays provides another option along an offensive line responsible for protecting Jared Goff and creating opportunities for Detroit’s running game.

But there’s an important distinction between being healthy enough to return and immediately performing at a high level.

Both players have missed significant time.

Detroit must balance the desire to get them involved with the importance of avoiding setbacks.

MCSN’s Take: Getting Branch and Mays back before a divisional matchup is a major positive. However, the Lions shouldn’t force either player into a larger role than he’s ready to handle.

Detroit needs both players contributing in October, but it also needs them available when the games become even more important later in the season.

What’s Next?

The Lions host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 25, at Ford Field.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.

The biggest questions heading into the game are how extensively Branch will be used defensively and how Detroit plans to distribute playing time between Mays and Scruggs.

Those decisions could have a significant impact on Sunday’s matchup.