Lions Activate Safety Brian Branch and Center Cade Mays Ahead of Packers Game

Detroit Lions activate Brian Branch and Cade Mays for Oct. 25 matchup

Detroit activated safety Brian Branch from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, clearing him to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Ford Field.

Branch returns for his first game since tearing his Achilles in December, after months of rehabilitation.

Center Cade Mays was also activated, moving from injured reserve to the active roster for his Lions debut.

Both players were removed from the game‑status report ahead of the meeting.

Head coach Dan Campbell welcomed Branch’s return but cautioned that expecting him to play 70 snaps would be asking a lot of a player coming back from that injury.

Campbell noted Branch’s ability to work deep or underneath, giving the defense flexibility in how it utilizes him.

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said he can move Branch according to the situation, with snap management remaining part of the return plan.

Mays signed a three‑year, $25 million contract with Detroit.