The Lions are welcoming back two key starters this week. Brian Branch, a Pro Bowl safety, and center Cade Mays have both been designated to return from their injured lists and returned to practice on Wednesday, per reporting from NFL Trade Rumors. Branch was placed on the physically unable to perform list coming out of the preseason, while Mays was placed on injured reserve. Both players are now beginning their 21-day evaluation windows.
Head coach Dan Campbell indicated earlier this week that Branch still needed to clear final medical tests before returning, but the expectation was for him to rejoin the team, per Pride of Detroit. The returns come as the Lions prepare for Week 5 action against the Cardinals. Yahoo Sports also reported that the team is dealing with injuries to defensive back Rock Ya-Sin and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.