Just when Lions LB Brian Branch was making waves after clearing concussion evaluations from Week 3, he again finds himself in trouble. While the DB was all set to hit the gridiron on Monday, now he’s under hot water. And we aren’t saying this out of the blue.

Spoiler alert: This time, the player isn’t in the headlines for another head injury. Branch will be out of the loop for Monday’s game because of an illness. And as a result, he has been listed as doubtful for the Lions’ upcoming game against the Seahawks. With defensive starters Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes already sitting on the sidelines, the Lions might find themselves depending on backups to fill those big shoes.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport took to X to provide an update on Brian Branch’s illness. As per the post, he has been added to the injury report and is listed as doubtful. Well, this is not the first time the Lions player would miss a game this season. Last week, during the face-off with the Arizona Cardinals, the DB was assessed for a brain injury after having a helmet-to-helmet hit with TE Trey McBride.

While the 2023 NFL Draft received a green light for concussion on Saturday, he came under the weather on Sunday. And undoubtedly he was the rising star for the Lions. He was leading the team with seven pass breakups and 22 tackles, along with an interception before the illness threw a wrench in his game! So, how will the Detroit deal with Branch’s absence?

How will Brian Branch’s absence affect the Lions?

“Nothing is set in stone yet…We feel like the safety position could be really good from Branch.” This is what the Lions HC Dan Campbell says about the Brian Branch. And how could he keep mum when the player is sidelined because of illness? Campbell admitted that the team will miss the LB for his superpowers to change the losses into wins.

The HC said, “We’re going to miss him for sure… He has that kind of ability to change games.” Branch was not only an impact player for the defense, but was also an important part of the team. And from being an LB to turning into a safety, the 2nd round pickup “is a good asset for the Lions.”

Well, the NFL player surely proves to be a real team player. He doesn’t like sitting on the sidelines and says, “It hurt, because yesterday I practiced and today… each practice, I want to get better.” While the illness rained on Branch’s parade, a defense player is all set to fill up his void.

With Brian Branch listed as doubtful, all eyes will be on Brandon Joseph to fill the starting role in the secondary. Joseph had briefly stepped in for Branch during his previous injury as well, and proved to be a suitable replacement. Campbell stated, “Joseph has done well when given the opportunity, and we trust him to step up.” Additionally, rookie undrafted free agent Loren Strickland may also get more playing time for his skills somewhat similar to Branch.

And Branch is not only a good player on the field, but he’s also a good teammate. He supported Joseph throughout the season and this is how the backup thanked the LB.  Brandon says, “I’m prepared to step in and do what’s needed. Branch has been a huge help to me all season.”

With Brian Branch’s illness, it is still uncertain how many games he will miss. While he was an ace in the hole for the Lions, he definitely has the spark in him. While the Lions wait for their Monday’s game, we pray for the speedy recovery of the LB.