The Detroit Lions activated safety Brian Branch from the physically unable to perform list and center Cade Mays from injured reserve on Saturday, making both available for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The team announced the roster moves and removed injury designations for the players. Branch is returning after tearing his Achilles tendon last December, while Mays is expected to start at center in his Detroit debut.
Branch, selected in the second round of the 2023 draft out of Alabama, has been sidelined since the injury in a win over the Dallas Cowboys. He spent the start of the 2026 season on the PUP list and began practicing earlier this month after the Lions opened his window.
In his first three seasons, Branch totaled 258 tackles, 4.5 sacks and seven interceptions. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after recording 109 tackles and four picks. He posted 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks and nine passes defended in 12 games last season before the injury.
Detroit’s secondary has been a clear weakness without him. Through five games, the Lions rank last in the NFL in passing yards allowed at 297.4 per game. They have given up 29.6 points per game, which ranks 30th.
Mays signed a three-year, $25 million contract in free agency this offseason after starting 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He injured his wrist in early August and opened the year on injured reserve. Juice Scruggs has handled the starting center duties in his absence.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the plan to play both.
“Barring anything negatively happening between now and the game, we plan on playing both of those guys,” Campbell said Monday.
The Lions opened 21-day practice windows for Branch and Mays on Oct. 7. Both took part in full practices this week and progressed without setbacks. Campbell has indicated Branch can handle a meaningful workload but will not be asked for a full complement of snaps right away.
Mays is expected to step into the starting center spot. Campbell has said the team worked him extensively in practice and wants to insert him into the lineup. Scruggs will remain involved, potentially rotating or shifting to guard.
The moves bring the Lions to a full 53-man roster. No players were elevated from the practice squad for the Packers game. Detroit enters at 3-2 and fourth in the NFC North. Green Bay is 4-2.
Branch’s return arrives in the final year of his rookie contract. The Lions have identified him as an extension candidate. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary gives the defense added flexibility.
Mays addresses the center position after the departure of longtime starter Frank Ragnow. The offensive line has held up with Scruggs, but the team signed Mays to provide a long-term option in the middle.
Detroit’s pass rush has been a bright spot, ranking among the league leaders in sacks. The secondary’s performance has been the main area of concern on that side of the ball.
Both players cleared the final steps of their recoveries this week. Their presence gives the Lions two established starters as they open the second half of their schedule.
The Packers game is set for 4:25 p.m. EDT at Ford Field.
