Overcoming Injuries in 2024
Lions defensive back Brian Branch played nearly a full season in 2024, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while staying mostly healthy during the team’s pursuit of its first Super Bowl title. His durability, missing only one game and avoiding major injuries, stood in contrast to the struggles many of his defensive teammates faced throughout the season.
Lions star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in Week 6. Prior to that, Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes had already been ruled out for the season. Later in the year, Alex Anzalone broke his arm, Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL, Alim McNeill suffered the same injury, and cornerback Carlton Davis broke his jaw.
Battle-Tested and United
Despite the litany of injuries, the Lions managed to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Although they ultimately fell short of the Super Bowl, Branch believes the team has been strengthened by the adversity. “We went through the ups and downs,” Branch told Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press.
“We fought together in tough games. We have been in a game where it depended on us to win. So, it just makes everybody buy in. Once you have a group that has bought in and has gone through trials and tribulations, we feel invincible.”
Looking ahead, Branch expects the 2025 Lions to reach even greater heights, fueled by experience and improved chemistry. “I feel like we’re better than last year,” he said. “We’re hungry, and I feel that’s gonna separate us. Our chemistry is on a whole ‘nother level.”
Building on Recent Success
Matching or exceeding the success of the last two seasons will be no easy task. In 2023, the Lions recorded 12 wins, tied for their most ever, and advanced to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991. In 2024, they went 15-2, leading the league in scoring offense and ranking seventh in scoring defense. However, injuries caught up with them, leading to a surprising Divisional Round loss to the Commanders.
Since then, the team has undergone some significant changes. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both left for head-coaching opportunities. Veteran center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement, and several players, including Carlton Davis, exited in free agency.
Replenishing the Roster
The Lions have also made key additions. They bolstered their secondary with the signings of D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin. First-round pick Tyleik Williams is expected to reinforce the defensive line, while second-round selection Tate Ratledge could help mitigate the loss of Ragnow.
Most importantly, many of the team’s injured contributors are expected to return, with the exception of those still recovering from ACL injuries, such as McNeill and Rodriguez.
A Renewed Sense of Purpose
Winning 15 regular-season games again may be unrealistic, but the Lions are now focused on postseason success as the true benchmark. With better health, Branch believes 2025 could be the breakthrough year.
“Last year, injuries, they were kind of against us,” Branch said. “This year, everybody’s healthy that is coming back. And we’re just hungry. We’ve still got the same mission and the same goals. We’re trying to get that Super Bowl.”
