Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (9) makes a catch over Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is known for being a hard hitter, but his postgame strike of an opponent was a step too far.

The NFL is expected to levy some form of punishment against Branch for striking Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the face mask after Sunday night's game. The literal smack in the face started a brawl between the two teams' players and had to be broken up.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport both reported that the NFL is expected to punish Branch, with a fine being the minimum expectation.

In an appearance on "Get Up" Monday morning, Schefter said a suspension is also "very possible."

Speaking to reporters after the game, Branch explained the hit was in retaliation of an illegal block in the back from Smith-Schuster that went uncalled. He also expressed regret for his role in starting the incident and called it "childish."

Lions head coach Dan Campbell also shared an apology to the Chiefs and Andy Reid, Kansas City's head coach, to begin his postgame press conference.

"I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it's not going to be accepted here," he said.

Asked about what punishment he expects from the league, Branch said, "I don't know, honestly."

Will Brian Branch be suspended?

The NFL has yet to announce any fines or other punishment that it might impose on Branch for his role in Sunday night's postgame brawl.

ESPN's Schefter reported Monday morning that a suspension is "very possible."

Schefter compared Branch's blow to Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Both incidents, Schefter said, are examples of the unsportsmanlike behavior and poor sportsmanship that the league promised to crack down on in the spring.

Even if Branch avoids a suspension, Schefter said, "there will be, at the very least, significant fines" for the Lions' safety.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Brian Branch be suspended? Latest news on punishment for Lions DB

Reporting by Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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