The Detroit Lions‘ head coach, Dan Campbell, almost turned red in the week 6 game against the Chiefs for two reasons. First, they lost the game by 30-17. It was a reality check as they were coming off 4 consecutive victories by scoring 34 or more points. Second, when he saw his safety Brian Branch slapping the rival WR JuJu Smith-Schuster on the helmet. But now, he’s making moves.

On October 15, he signed DB Jammie Robinson to the Lions squad on a 1-year deal. He was signed to the Chiefs earlier and listed on their practice squad. But after the current chain of events in Detroit, he might have to play sooner than he expected. But he has his limitations.

Carolina Panthers drafted Robinson 145th overall (5th-round) in the 2023 NFL Draft. They later signed a 4-year $4.1 million rookie deal. He started 2 games (played 15) in his rookie year and recorded 17 tackles (11 solo). The next year, he played 6 games (started zero) and only had 3 tackles (2 solo) to his name. Once they waived him in December last year, he spent his time on practice squads.

Initially, the Arizona Cardinals signed him but cut him as part of their final roster cuts in August this offseason. From there, the Chiefs grabbed him, and now, he has landed in Detroit. How Dan Campbell uses him will be interesting to watch?

Amid this, the fans got the news they were fearing for.

Dan Campbell’s safety loses appeal against suspension

The move happened after Branch lost his appeal against the one-game suspension. Everyone predicted punishment for the safety, and hearing officer Jordy Nelson upheld the league’s decision to suspend him for 1 game. It means that Dan Campbell will be playing against the Buccaneers with a depleted roster.

With the Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield in red hot form, things will definitely get tough for them. Branch’s absence could prove to be crucial as he is a regular starter. In 6 games (all starts) this season, he has logged 5 defended passes, 1 sack, and 33 tackles (23 solo). Despite his importance to the NFC North franchise, he refuses to change his behavior. The NFL has already fined him 13 times for around $130k in two seasons.

Dan Campbell tried hard to salvage his image as he called out his safety’s actions as “inexcusable” and apologized to the Chiefs. Even Branch explained his anger, claiming he was frustrated because of the illegal block. However, the league has taken a hard stance against any violations that hurts its good image. And the week 6 brawl definitely did some damage.

The safety first marched past Patrick Mahomes, denying the handshake. It made Smith Schuster react, after which Branch confronted the receiver and slapped his helmet. Reid even claimed that the WR bled in his nose, but did not give much importance to Branch’s actions in the post game conference.

Even Mahomes had a similar reaction, claiming they weren’t afraid of anything, referring to the Lions’ physically dominating game. However, things aren’t looking for Dan Campbell now.

Branch refuses to calm down on the field while injuries pile up. Their DT Terrion Arnold injured his shoulder before the Chiefs matchup and sat out. Cornerback Avonte Maddox also injured his shoulder and did not play. According to Dan Campbell, they return after the bye week. So, the Lions need to battle with Bucs without three of their starters.

It’s a challenge. Can they beat another Super Bowl contenders? It will be a tough game at the Ford Field on October 20, Monday.