An Achilles tear can derail careers — especially for defensive backs who rely on burst and change of direction. At just 24, Brian Branch now faces the toughest rehab of his life. The timeline is daunting. The history is mixed. But the comeback story is still unwritten.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14 last season, on Dec. 4, dealing a significant blow to the Lions’ secondary.
Achilles ruptures are among the most serious injuries in professional football. Recovery from a complete tear typically takes six to 12 months before an athlete can return to full participation in high-impact sports. Basic mobility often returns within three to four months, but full rehabilitation — including regaining strength, explosion and lateral movement — can take up to a year.
Branch underwent surgery within a week of the injury, approximately Dec. 10-12, 2025. Surgical repair is common for complete ruptures, particularly for elite athletes, as it lowers the risk of re-rupture and may offer a stronger long-term outcome. Based on standard recovery timelines, his potential return would project sometime between August and December of 2026, depending on setbacks or accelerated progress.
The first six to 10 weeks after surgery typically involve immobilization in a cast or walking boot. After that, players gradually transition to weight-bearing activity, physical therapy and strength training. Light running can begin around the four- to six-month mark, but a return to competitive football action usually requires nine to 12 months.
Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult for NFL players because of the demands of the sport. Defensive backs, in particular, rely heavily on burst, change of direction and recovery speed — traits directly impacted by Achilles strength and elasticity. Returning to prior performance levels is not guaranteed.
Branch, however, is just 24 years old. Youth can be a major advantage in recovery, as younger athletes often heal more efficiently and respond better to rehabilitation workloads than older veterans.
There are notable examples of successful returns from Achilles tears.
Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles in April 2012 and made a remarkable return roughly six months later, contributing to the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII championship run.
Richard Sherman suffered an Achilles tear in 2017. He returned the following season and by 2019 had regained elite form, earning Pro Bowl honors and helping lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Leon Hall tore his Achilles in 2011 and returned to start 15 games the following season, earning his team’s Ed Block Courage Award. Hall later came back from a second Achilles tear and continued his career as a starter.
Perhaps the most rapid modern example belongs to Cam Akers, who tore his Achilles in July 2021 and returned to play in the postseason just five and a half months later, including appearances in Super Bowl LVI. His recovery timeline was considered one of the fastest in recent NFL history.
Still, history shows that Achilles tears typically sideline players for nine to 12 months, especially skill-position athletes who depend on explosiveness and cutting ability. While medical advancements and surgical techniques continue to improve outcomes, there remains an elevated risk of decreased performance or re-injury.
For Branch, the timeline suggests a realistic chance to return during the 2026 season. The bigger question will not simply be when he returns — but whether he can regain the quick-twitch movement and physical confidence that defined his play before the injury.
Given his age, work ethic and modern rehabilitation protocols, there is reason for optimism. But as with all Achilles recoveries in the NFL, patience will be required.