Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday, October 6, that center Cade Mays should join safety Brian Branch at practice this week, a step that would start the clock on both players’ returns from injury.
Campbell made the remarks in a Tuesday morning radio interview, Dave Birkett reported, and cautioned that practicing does not mean either player will be ready for Sunday’s game at the Arizona Cardinals. A day earlier, Campbell said the only thing still holding Branch back was final sign-off from doctors. “I think it looks really good that he is going to practice this week,” he said Monday.
Reinforcements coming for the #Lions… https://t.co/Irq7j6DzSH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2026
Where each player stands
Branch has not played since tearing his Achilles tendon against the Dallas Cowboys last December, and he opened this season on the physically unable to perform list. Once he takes the field, Detroit gets a 21-day evaluation period before it must make a roster decision. Tom Pelissero reported late last week that there was a strong chance the window would open this week. Branch was an All-Pro before the injury and remains part of Detroit’s long-term plans.
Mays signed a three-year, $25 million contract with Detroit in the offseason after starting at center for Carolina, then broke his wrist in training camp and began the year on injured reserve. The Lions used one of their eight in-season injury activations on him. Juice Scruggs, acquired by trade, has started at center in his absence. Campbell had previously targeted a return after the Week 6 bye.
Why Detroit needs them
The Lions have been short at safety all season. Kerby Joseph remains on the PUP list because of a long-running knee problem, and a foot operation ended Avonte Maddox’s season, leaving Chuck Clark and Christian Izien as the starters.
Carolina took advantage on Sunday night. Bryce Young completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns, both to Tetairoa McMillan, as the Panthers won 32–26 and gained 445 yards. Jared Goff threw for 412 yards in defeat, and Detroit fell to 2–2. The full numbers are in the Lions–Panthers Game Center, and both players’ status will be updated on our injury report.
What comes next
The Lions play at Arizona on Sunday, October 11, at 4:25 p.m. EDT, then have their bye week. Because the open date follows, Detroit could hold both players out against the Cardinals and aim for the Week 7 game instead.
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