Lions activate Brian Branch and Cade Mays ahead of Packers game

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Detroit Lions activated defensive back Brian Branch from Reserve/PUP and center Cade Mays from Reserve/Injured. The team said both were removed from the Game Status Report. Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit reported that the moves made both players eligible for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Activation does not confirm that either will appear.

Adam Schefter reported that Branch has not played since tearing his Achilles Dec. 4 and is set to make his 2026 season debut Sunday. Schefter also reported that Mays is returning from a broken wrist suffered in training camp. Both practiced this week and are set to play against Green Bay, Schefter wrote.

Reisman wrote that the Lions indicated significant roles for both players, though Branch's playing time remains unclear. In Reisman's assessment, Detroit's defense has struggled without Branch, particularly in the secondary. Lions coach Dan Campbell, as quoted by Reisman, praised Branch's ability to play high or underneath and said Friday the team would “let him go here and we’ll be smart.” Speaking about Mays on Wednesday, Campbell said the Lions “would like to give him a go here.”