Another week, another fine for Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch.
Just a day before their Week 11 matchup at Ford Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars, reports surfaced that the NFL fined Branch $10,128 for a hip-drop tackle on Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods during last Sunday’s primetime game on NBC.
The tackle occurred late in the third quarter, with 20 seconds remaining as the Lions trailed the Texans 23-13. This marks Branch’s third $10,000 fine in just over two weeks.
Branch’s previous two fines came during the Lions’ Week 9, 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The first was for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Bo Melton, which led to Branch’s ejection. The second fine was issued for his actions while exiting the field, where he flipped off Packers fans.
In total, Branch has been fined five times this season, bringing his cumulative fines to $50,640. His first two fines were issued for fighting and impermissible use of his helmet during a Week 3 win against the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite his disciplinary troubles, the second-year standout from Alabama remains a key contributor on the field. Branch is currently tied with Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens), Byron Murphy Jr. (Minnesota Vikings), Jalen McCollough (Los Angeles Rams), and Calen Bullock (Houston Texans) for the second-most interceptions in the NFL, with four.
Through nine games, Branch has recorded 50 total tackles (38 solo), 13 pass deflections, and one forced fumble
