Dan Campbell, Lions set sights on Bucs, 'move forward' with Branch banned

Dan Campbell sported a black tee shirt with the Lions logo and the word "SALTY" scripted across the chest, appropriate attire for the fiery head coach replying to questions about playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week without suspended safety Brian Branch.

"My job is to move forward here. I know this: We don't have him. We don't have him," Campbell said of the plan as the Lions welcome Baker Mayfield and the Bucs on Monday night. "So I can worry about that or I can worry about what we do have and how we adjust. We'll find out on Kerby (Joseph). ... We can play one safety and play four linebackers for all I care. We'll figure it out. We'll have a plan ready and we'll be ready to play Tampa Bay."

Branch was fined for the 11th time in two seasons and serves a one-game suspension this week for igniting a postgame fracas as the Lions' loss in Kansas City went final. He threw an open-handed punch at Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, claiming he was provoked by an uncalled illegal block in the back.

Campbell said the Lions are "going to be looking pretty good at the end of November" as injured players get healthy. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and pass rusher Marcus Davenport are among the defensive players the Lions aren't counting on for contributions until after their bye in Week 8.

Joseph attempted to play through a nagging knee injury at Kansas City last week, prompting Campbell to reassess his status with the potential to rest him until November. After the game against Tampa Bay this week, the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 2

"How much worse are you making this injury?" Campbell said of his thought process with Joseph playing this week. "The production is not there. We'll reassess here. We saw the game the other day. He tried to gut through it. Played most of the game. It wasn't his best performance. But he'd tell you that, too. He was giving us what he had."

A dinged-up secondary hit at a bad time, helping bring out a vintage Patrick Mahomes performance last week with the NFC South-leading Buccaneers up next. Campbell said he has nothing but respect for Mayfield.

Branch intercepted Mayfield -- who had one touchdown pass and was sacked five times -- in the Week 2 meeting between the NFC contenders in 2024. Tampa Bay won 20-16, dealing Detroit one of its two regular-season losses.

"The way he plays, his leadership. His ability to push the ball down the field, make plays with his legs. I just think he's playing at a high level," Campbell said. "He's a guy that gives them a chance any time he's in the game."

Mayfield has only one interception and is tied for third in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes this season. The Buccaneers are not healthy at several skill positions, which could soften the blow for the back end of the Lions' defense.

Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) left the Week 6 win and Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (leg) were already out. Running back Bucky Irving hasn't played since Sept. 28.

The Lions sacked Mayfield four times and intercepted him twice in the 2023 postseason meeting, but he completed 26 of 41 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns.

--Field Level Media