Detroit Lions Brian Branch spotted in boot, scooter for foot

Over NFL Draft weekend, Detroit Lions DB Brian Branch was spotted with a boot on, and was using a scooter to get around.

Over the weekend, Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was in Detroit for the NFL Draft. There, several fans spotted him with a boot on his left foot and moving around with the aid of a scooter. On Thursday, this photo of Branch with Lions first-round pick Terrion Arnold—from Branch’s agency Klutch Sports Group—circulated on Twitter:

Other fans on the Lions reddit page shared similar photos of Branch spotted downtown. There was also a much less clear photo of him in a boot and scooter that was posted by Twitter account JSportsBetting1 earlier in the week.

Regardless, it looks like Branch is working his way back from an injury, and it’s not clear what the nature of that injury is. Branch finished the season without any clear limitations, and missed just two games for his entire rookie season. He missed those games due to an ankle injury, but that appeared to be on his right leg.

Of course, it’s far too early for any major concern. A boot and scooter can be given out for a range of different injuries, and we’re not going to speculate on what injury he’s dealing with or how long his recovery will take.

That said, Lions Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin on May 21, and it’s reasonable to wonder whether Branch will be ready by then.

Branch was one of the most impressive players from the Lions’ highly-praised 2023 NFL Draft class. In 15 regular season games, Branch tallied 74 tackles (seven for loss), 13 passes defended, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown.