Lions Safety Brian Branch Suspended One Game

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was suspended without pay for one game after striking Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the facemask with an open hand following Patrick Mahomes' final kneel-down, sparking a scuffle. Head coach Dan Campbell apologized, and Branch called his behavior childish. NFL operations VP Jon Runyan issued the ban for unsportsmanlike conduct, calling the act aggressive and non-football. Branch, who has three fines in 2025 and seven in 2024, may appeal to Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson. Pending appeal, he's eligible to return Oct. 21 after Detroit's Week 7 game vs. Tampa Bay.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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