Lions' Brian Branch Returns, Plans Baptism

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch served a one-game suspension—upheld on appeal—after striking Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith‑Schuster following the Oct. 12 loss. He apologized, said the behavior "will never happen again," returned to practice and is expected to rejoin the lineup Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Branch said he couldn’t bring himself to watch the Lions’ 24‑9 Week 7 win over Tampa Bay, called the suspension "another chip" on his shoulder and vowed to keep his aggression "between the whistles" while maintaining relentless effort. He’s working with coaches and a counselor to better manage his emotions, and teammates and coaches described him as a tone‑setter for Detroit’s defense. Branch also announced plans to be baptized Wednesday as a personal milestone and said the time away gave him motivation and perspective; across six starts this season he has about 33 tackles with multiple pass defenses and a forced fumble.