Initial injury report for the Detroit Lions before of their Week 14 game against the Bears
The 9-3 Detroit Lions travel to Chicago this Sunday to take on the Chicago Bears in the hopes of winning another

game on the road. The Lions would be one step closer to winning the NFC North crown if they win this game,
something they haven’t done since 1993. The preliminary injury report for Week 14 has been provided by the team.
Who is listed as injured for the Detroit Lions?
The Detroit Lions’ initial injury report for the week has been out, and it points to some difficulties as they get ready
for their Week 14 matchup with the Bears. core Frank Ragnow, whose numerous health issues raise doubts about his
ability to play on Sunday, is at the core of the report. Positively, linebacker Alex Anzalone gave his full participation
to Wednesday’s practice.
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Brian Branch of the Lions Makes Fun of Commanders for Draft Snub.
Without a question, the Detroit Lions are grateful that defensive back Brian Branch was still available for them to
select in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 45 overall.
However, Branch stated on December 6 that, at that point, he never imagined he would still be on the draft board.
Branch revealed that the Washington Commanders misled him into thinking he would be selected when they made
their mid-round selection. This occurred during a social media conversation on NFL Network.
According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, “the team I for sure thought was going to get me was the
Commanders at No. 16,” Branch stated. “I had the impression that they were saying that if I’m still available at age
16, they
However, it seems that you can never trust someone else’s word. You must allow it to unfold. However, everything
has a purpose. I’m happy that Detroit is my home.
The Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at No. 16 overall in lieu of Branch.
Forbes’ debut season with Washington has not gone well. In 10 games, he has racked up 27 total tackles, including 2
for loss, 10 pass defenses, and 1 interception.
Branch, meanwhile, has recorded two interceptions—one of which he recovered for a touchdown—and seven pass
defenses. In addition, he has 58 total tackles, 7 of which are for a loss.
Rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Forbes of the Lions, Brian Branch, Outshining Commanders, made an early
impression on the team by returning an interception for a score in Week 1’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s probably safe to say that the Lions won’t start the season with an Arrowhead victory without that score. On the
first day of play, the Lions defeated the Chiefs by a mere point.
That victory on the road pretty much set the tone for Detroit’s season. The Lions are 9-3 heading into Week 14 for the
first time since 1962.
Based on analytics, it appears that the play that Branch has given the Lions differs significantly from that of Forbes
in Washington.
Pro Football Focus has awarded Branch a player grade of 71.4 (out of 100). Branch has been Detroit’s fourth-best
defender this season among players who have played at least 200 plays, per PFF.
Forbes has been playing a little bit better lately, according to the PFF player grades. Still, he hasn’t been consistent.
He received a total grade of 52.9.
The Effect of Branch on Lions Run Defense
Coverage for the second-round selection has been strong. However, Branch’s run defense is the reason he is doing so
well in PFF’s grading system.
Branch has an 83.3 run defense grade, making him Detroit’s best run defender this season, according to PFF. Branch
is currently ranked 11th among all NFL cornerbacks in terms of run defense according to PFF, with that rating.
Before the 2023 campaign, the Lions significantly altered their defense, especially in the secondary. However,
Branch has to be credited with being a major factor in Detroit’s tremendous improvement in run defense this season.
The Lions were ranked 30th in terms of rushing yards yielded per attempt and 29th in terms of rushing yards
allowed in 2022.
Detroit ranks sixth in yards allowed per carry and fifth in rushing yards allowed this season after drafting Branch.
It’s remarkable that Branch, selected No. 45 overall in the NFL draft, outperformed six defensive backs considering
his effect against the run and pass.
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