The Detroit Lions’ defensive depth will be tested more than ever when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
The team confirmed that cornerback Brian Branch will serve a one-game suspension, leaving an already thin secondary without one of its brightest young playmakers at a crucial point in the season.
Branch’s suspension comes at the worst possible time for Detroit, as the team’s defensive backfield has been decimated by injuries.
On Saturday, the Lions officially ruled out three key players: Kerby Joseph with a knee injury, Avonte Maddox due to a hamstring issue, and rookie Terrion Arnold because of a shoulder problem.
With all three unavailable, head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will need to dig deep into his bench to fill the gaps.
They face a tough test against a strong Buccaneers offense, which is led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and star wide receiver Mike Evans.
The Lions also announced that special teams contributor Sione Vaki will miss the game.
His absence may not draw headlines, but it further stretches Detroit’s roster on a night when depth could make the difference.
Major questions up front as key starters recover
Injuries have not been limited to the secondary. Left tackle Taylor Decker, who has missed the past two games, remains questionable with an ankle issue.
His return would provide much-needed protection for quarterback Jared Goff, particularly against Tampa Bay’s aggressive pass rush.
On defense, lineman Alim McNeill is also listed as questionable. The interior force has not yet appeared this season as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury suffered last year.
His potential return would be a significant boost for a front line that has been leaned on heavily through the first month of the campaign.
Joining him on the injury list is veteran tackle D.J. Reader, whose availability may come down to a game-time decision.
If either McNeill or Reader can play, it would help stabilize a defense that could otherwise be forced to rely on younger, less proven options.
Without them, the Buccaneers may try to exploit the middle of the field and stretch the Lions’ thin coverage unit.
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