The Detroit Lions placed Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch on injured reserve Saturday, Dec. 13, officially ending his season.

Branch tore the Achilles in his right leg in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys . Lions coach Dan Campbell said Branch underwent surgery last week and faces an 8- to 12-month timeline for return.

The Lions activated tight end Shane Zylstra off IR to take Branch's place as part of a slew of roster moves Saturday.

Zylstra, who hasn't played since injuring his knee in Week 2, adds depth at tight end, where the Lions had just one player on their 53-man roster – Anthony Firkser.

Starting tight end Sam LaPorta is out for the season after back surgery , and backup Brock Wright is on IR with a trachea injury that likely will keep him out until the playoffs. Ne

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