Brian Branch and Patrick Mahomes (Photo via Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The NFL has announced a punishment on Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for his punch on Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following Sunday night’s game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brian Branch has been suspended one game for punching the veteran wide receiver. That means he’ll miss next week’s “Monday Night Football” home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
Branch is appealing the suspension, according to Rapoport.
If the suspension is upheld, Brian Branch would be eligible to return for Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, as the Lions are on a bye after the Monday night game with the Buccaneers.
Branch told reporters after the game that he was furious over the refs missing a “block in the back” penalty on Smith-Schuster. You can see the play below:
Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs weren’t penalized once in their 30-17 victory, and they certainly benefited from several questionable calls from the NFL refs. Nonetheless, the frustrating game obviously doesn’t justify Branch’s decision to throw a cheap shot after the game.
Brian Branch Has Been A Valuable Part Of Lions’ Turnaround
Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster (Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
Widely expected to be a first-round pick, Branch didn’t fall to the Lions until round two at No. 45 overall in 2023. He solidified the Detroit defense in 2023 as they won their first division title in 30 years and reached the NFC Championship Game, narrowly falling to the Detroit Lions.
Branch also helped the Lions to a 15-2 season in 2024, but they fell to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round. Through his first two NFL seasons, Branch had seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks and 183 combined tackles.
The Lions’ defense was a significant issue before Branch arrived in 2023. He has been instrumental in their rise to championship status, and they’ll need him to stay focused and avoid more unnecessary hits and cheap shots going forward.
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