Brian Branch Is Back: The Lions' Pro Bowl Safety Returns From His Achilles Tear Sunday

Ten months of waiting, and Lions fans finally get their Swiss Army knife back in the secondary.

**Our Take:** Brian Branch doesn't need to be a hero Sunday. If he just plays within the call, a defense that's been holding the fort gets a lot nastier against Green Bay.

Per DetroitLions.com's Tim Twentyman, the Pro Bowl safety is on track for his season debut, his first game action since tearing his Achilles last December in a win over Dallas. "I'm ready to roll. Just let the plays come to me and not force anything, that's the biggest thing," Branch said Thursday. He added that "trusting my instincts again and really getting my eyes back right" has been the focus.

Branch had 75 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and nine passes defended in 12 games last season. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wouldn't give projections: "It's just beautiful to have (him) back."

He's not the only one. Center Cade Mays is on track for his Lions debut after wrist surgery in camp. "There's a stability factor there," offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. And with Tom Kennedy on injured reserve, veteran DeAndre Carter is set to return punts.

**What to watch:** Where Sheppard lines Branch up, how many snaps he gets, and whether he stays disciplined against a Packers offense that wants to hit big plays. Kickoff is Sunday at Ford Field.

Sources: DetroitLions.com, Detroit Free Press