ALLEN PARK — It’s been two long weeks since Lions safety Brian Branch has played. First he served a one-week suspension following a melee after the loss at the Chiefs. Then the Lions had the bye week.
Branch is back on the practice field prepping to face the Vikings on Sunday at Ford Field.
“It’s great. BB he’s got two weeks off, he’s got fresh legs, he’s ready to go, a great little bye week in the middle. I’m excited,’’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson said on Tuesday. “BB is one of the guys on our defense who is the heart and the soul and the tonesetter. I can’t wait to have him back.’’
A motivated Branch feels the same way.
“I feel like it’s another chip on my shoulder that they just added,’’ Branch said. “I also want to apologize for that and it’s something I don’t condone and it’ll never happen again. It definitely added another chip to my shoulder.’’
When asked if the suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct was merited, he hesitated before saying he’s dealt with the consequences and is moving on, learning to control his emotions after the whistle.
“Coach tells me all the time they’re going to pick at me during the play or try to get me to get out of my shell to retaliate,’’ Branch said. “But he said, still play with the fire just learn how to not retaliate and play between the whistles.’’
Jim O’Neil, Lions defensive assistant/safeties coach, expects to see a more motivated Branch.
“I’m really excited to see how he takes the field on Sunday when he comes out of the tunnel,’’ O’Neil said. “It’s great to have him back — he’s one of my all-time favorite people, all-time favorite players that I’ve ever coached. I love his competitive spirit, I’m excited to get him back out there.’’
Branch admitted that he couldn’t even watch the Lions beat the Bucs.
“Just watching them I guess just made me like just miss being out there, that’s something that’s hard,’’ Branch said. “I’ll be eager to get out there.’’
UP NEXT: Vikings (3-4) at Lions (5-2), 1 p.m. on Sunday at Ford Field.
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