Lions, Cardinals Week 5 injury report: Brian Branch, Cade Mays return to practice

The Detroit Lions (2-2) will take on the Arizona Cardinals (1-3) in Week 5, and both teams took to the field on Wednesday to prepare. The Lions officially got some great news with two starters officially returning to practice to start their 21-day evaluation windows, while the Cardinals are dealing with a few injuries suffered last game.

Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s injury report and get you up to date with what we know.

Note: Any changes from the most recent injury report will be bolded.

• RB Isiah Pacheco (MCL/Back) — IR, expected to be out until December
• C Cade Mays (Wrist) — IR, eligible to begin practicing at any time
• OL Giovanni Manu (Undisclosed) — NFI, eligible to begin practicing at any time
• S Brian Branch (Achilles) — PUP, eligible to begin practicing at any time
• S Kerby Joseph (Knee) — PUP, eligible to begin practicing at any time
• S Thomas Harper (ankle) — IR, eligible to begin practicing in Week 7

On Monday, coach Dan Campbell informed the media that Branch was in the final stages of medical clearance to return to practice, and on Tuesday during his weekly radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell disclosed that Cade Mays was also likely returning to practice this week.

“He’s doing great,” Campbell said of Mays. “He and Branch are on the same plan right now. So the plan is to get them worked into practice. We’re waiting on the final call from the doctor on both to say, ‘Yes, they can practice.’ We’d love to get them going this week. Doesn’t mean they’re going to play (vs. Cardinals).”

On Wednesday, both Branch and Mays indeed opened their 21-day evaluation windows by suiting up and practicing. The Lions now have 21 days to evaluate Branch and Mays’ health, and while they remain on PUP during this timeframe, Detroit is free to activate them to the 53-man roster at any time.

“Well, it’d be good to get him out there running around and actually doing football work,” Campbell said of Branch on Wednesday. “He and Cade (Mays) both start their clocks and let them get back on the grass. And so yeah, it’s good. Anytime we can get some of our guys back off injury, that makes everybody happy.”

• G Ben Bartch (foot)
• DL Tyleik Williams (foot) — injured in Week 4
• CB Rock Ya-Sin (Hamstring) — injured in Week 4

After starting in Week 2 for then-injured Christian Mahogany, Bartch hasn’t practiced since, missing a total of six practices and two games. By not practicing on Wednesday, and with the bye week looking in Week 6, it’s very possible the Lions won’t want to push his recovery process.

Williams was injured late in Week 4 and was seen in the locker room wearing a protective walking boot, but told media in attendance that it was only for precautionary reasons. On Monday, Campbell was less optimistic, noting that “Tyleik is touch-and-go. He’ll be day-to-day.” He still has time to return to the field and play in this Sunday’s game, but this situation will be worth monitoring.

Ya-Sin was injured on special teams in Week 4 and was ruled out after only a handful of snaps. Based on Campbell’s comments, Ya-Sin’s injury is a bit more concerning, as the Lions coach noted that he doesn’t “think Rock looks good right now.” If Ya-Sin can’t play, it should open the door for depth players, like rookie Keith Abney or veteran safety Jalen Mills, to potentially see more playing time.

“Yeah, I think Abney will probably help us out a little bit more here this week,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “So, will Mills. I can see both those guys taking on a bigger role.”

• C Cade Mays (Wrist) — Days remaining in evaluation window: 20
• EDGE DJ Wonnum (back)
• S Brian Branch (Achilles) — Days remaining in evaluation window: 20

Wonnum missed last Wednesday’s practice but returned in full and played against the Panthers. He didn’t appear to suffer an aggravation during the game, so signs are pointing in a positive direction, despite a limited practice on Wednesday

• None listed

• CB D.J. Reed (rib)

Reed was a limited participant at practice all last week but was able to play in Week 4. His injury could linger a bit, but with him being removed from the injury report, there’s no real reason for concern at this time.

Coming soon.

While you wait…