The Detroit Lions will officially be without Brian Branch in Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Branch, who was suspended earlier this week after his open-hand slap of Kansas City Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sparked a scuffle following Sunday's loss at Arrowhead Stadium, appealed his suspension. After review of Branch's appeal by hearing officer Jordy Nelson, the suspension was upheld.

Nelson, a former Green Bay Packers receiver, is jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA.

Already down cornerbacks D.J. Reed (hamstring), Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and Avonte Maddox (hamstring) — in addition to Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (shoulder) and Khalil Dorsey (wrist) — the Lions will now also be without Branch, one half of their elite tandem at safety. Also o

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