THE APEX TIMES
Detroit’s cornerback, listed as questionable earlier in the week, is active for Sunday’s home matchup at Ford Field, while safety Brian Branch returns to a full workload after his comeback from an Achilles rehab.
The Lions’ biggest injury question on the defensive side appears to be resolved for Sunday’s game against the undefeated Vikings. Cornerback Roger McCreary was listed as questionable after showing up on Friday’s practice report with a foot injury, but he is active today.
Detroit’s coaching staff also indicated a major step forward on the back end with safety Brian Branch. Head coach Dan Campbell said this week Branch would have no restrictions on his reps after playing 45 of 67 possible defensive snaps in his season debut last week, which followed a 10-month Achilles rehab.
Beyond McCreary and Branch, Detroit enters the matchup with most of its inactive list consisting of healthy scratches rather than availability issues. The Lions have five players inactive today and all are listed as healthy scratches.
The Lions’ inactive list includes tight end Jackson Meeks, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, center Seth McLaughlin, safety Bishop Fitzgerald, and edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein.
With Minnesota (6-0) visiting Ford Field as the division frontrunner, Detroit’s personnel decisions leave the focus on whether the cornerback rotation and Branch’s expanded role can sustain the defensive momentum the Lions saw in their recent games.