After watching Brian Branch practice just once after his 10-month rehab from an Achilles tear, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard couldn’t contain his excitement.
“How many positions can he play and how fast?” Sheppard joked to the media on Thursday.
And while that was a joke, Sheppard insisted Detroit’s Pro Bowl safety looked so locked and ready Wednesday that he believed Branch could play Thursday, if cleared.
“If we were playing tonight, it would be realistic,” Sheppard said. “Like, this dude—it’s like he’s never been out. I’m serious. It’s literally like he’s never been out. It’s unbelievable. So, it’s just a matter of I’m going to lean on (Director of Player Health) Brett Fisher, (Head Trainer) Mike Sundeen, and our medical staff always done a tremous job and whatever they’ve always done a tremous job here. 20 plays, if it’s 30, if it’s 50—I want 60—but whatever they tell me, I’ll lock it, and we’ll roll.”
It’s somewhat unusual for the Lions to put Branch in the starting lineup after just three practices, as he hasn’t been on the field since early December. And even Sheppard admits they need to make sure they don’t put Branch in a difficult position.
“We’ve got to do right by that player, too,” Sheppard said. “So just make sure we choose how much, how fast, where, what’s best for him right now, and you kind of do the strategy with him.”
The Lions have been fairly conservative with Branch throughout his rehab, making sure he’s fully fit before they even get him back on the practice field. While Branch is eager to get out there, he said Wednesday he appreciates keeping his short- and long-term mental health in mind. That said, he feels that there is very little that comes between him and playing time on Sundays.
“Just venting. That’s the only obstacle, I feel like,” Branch said. “Airing and interacting with each other. Just having more interaction with each other. Yeah, more one-on-ones.”
When Branch returns, he could have a big impact on the bottom of the Lions’ defense. Not only will his presence help a safety group that has struggled through four weeks, but Detroit believes his playmaking and discipline could have a trickle-down effect.
“He’s a natural, aware player and he’s a violent player,” coach Dan Campbell said this week. “And so, he’s got the talent for the football and his production, even if it’s not what it is right away with him growing back that’s going to have an impact, I believe. And after that, then it helps the guys around him. It makes the guys around him better because this guy is going to be where he’s supposed to be. He’s going to be able to make some plays, the safety and the other (Campbell), some of those things.”
It still seems like a long shot that the Lions will choose to play Branch on Sunday against the Cardinals, but it’s clear that Sheppard wants him as soon as possible.
“I’m ready for him to go all 70-80 (snaps). No matter how many we play. The Saints game, that was 90? Let’s go 90, BB. As much Brian Branch as I can get right now, I want it.”