The Detroit Lions improved their playoff odds on Thursday night. Detroit defeated Dallas 44-30 on Thursday Night Football in a game that had huge playoff ramifications for both teams. Unfortunately, the big win also came with a devastating defensive injury for one key Lions defender.
Lions safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles during TNF against the Cowboys, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Detroit's star safety suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter after attempting an interception in the end zone. He landed awkwardly and immediately started grasping at his leg. Branch was carted to the locker room shortly afterwards.
Branch underwent further testing on Friday morning that confirmed his injury.
This is a huge blow for a Lions defense that needs all the help they can get to potentially make the playoffs. And Detroit was already hurting for depth at the safety position.
Kerby Joseph has been out of the lineup with a knee injury. There is a chance that he could return during the 2025 season, but Detroit's can't risk hoping that will happen. They need to have a contingency plan.
Meanwhile, backup safety Thomas Harper went down with an injury during the first quarter vs. Dallas.
If Harper misses any time, that will make Daniel Thomas Detroit's only healthy safety. Although cornerback Avonte Maddox has plenty of experience at safety and could help fill the gap.
Either way, Branch's injury news is a tough pill to swallow after a much-needed win against an NFC opponent.
But the positive news is that Detroit improved to 8-5 on the season after beating Dallas on Thursday night. Their playoff odds are up to 44% according to The Athletic's NFL playoff simulator. And those odds could improve again this weekend after Chicago and Green Bay play each other.
The Lions still have a long road ahead if they want to make the playoffs. But their destiny is still in their own hands if they keep winning games.
Next up for the Lions is an important Week 15 matchup against the Rams.
