Detroit's Brian Branch, one of the top safeties in the NFL , suffered a torn Achilles in the fourth quarter of Thursday's 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys — a significant hit to the team's playoff hopes.

The news, reported Friday by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , is a huge blow for Branch, a third-year player from Alabama who's set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. He was expected to soon seek a contract extension.

Branch — who left the game on crutches and wearing a walking boot, according to the Detroit Free Press — underwent further tests Friday morning. The team was already without cornerback Terrion Arnold (season-ending shoulder injury) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee).

Before the season, Pro Football Focus ranked Branch as the fifth-best safety in the NFL, behind Tamp

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