DETROIT, MI — October 16, 2025, 6:36 PM (GMT+7)
The NFL has officially suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for one game after he punched Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following Sunday night’s 30-17 Chiefs victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Branch will miss the Lions’ next “Monday Night Football” home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. Branch is appealing the suspension.
If upheld, Branch would return for Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, as the Lions have a bye after the Buccaneers matchup.
Branch expressed fury post-game over referees missing a “block in the back” penalty on Smith-Schuster. Video of the play shows the infraction, which went uncalled.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and Brian Branch circled while on field
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— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2025
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The Chiefs weren’t penalized once in their win and benefited from several questionable calls. However, the frustrating game doesn’t justify Branch’s post-game cheap shot.
Brian Branch Has Been A Valuable Part Of Lions’ Turnaround
JuJu Smith-Schuster below Lions-Chiefs pile
Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster
Widely projected as a first-round pick, Branch fell to the Lions at No. 45 overall in the 2023 Draft. He anchored Detroit’s defense in 2023 as they claimed their first division title in 30 years and reached the NFC Championship, narrowly falling short.
Branch contributed to the Lions’ 15-2 season in 2024, though they lost in the Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders. Through his first two NFL seasons, Branch recorded seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and 183 combined tackles.
The Lions’ defense was a liability before Branch’s arrival in 2023. He’s been key to their championship rise, and they’ll need him focused to avoid further unnecessary hits and cheap shots moving forward.
Based on reports from NFL Network, ESPN, and game footage.
