Dan Campbell: Brian Branch is close to returning

Lions safety Brian Branch is almost completely recovered from last year's torn Achilles tendon.

That's the word from Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who said today that Branch will return to the field soon.

"He's close. Yep, he's close. He's ready to go," Campbell said.

Campbell said Branch has been in his ear about how ready he feels to get back out there.

"Tired of listening to him — I mean that in a good way," Campbell said. "He's put in a ton of work and he looks really good. He's close."

Campbell did not say when Branch will return, but he could be activated from the physically unable to perform list as soon as next week, in time for the Lions' Week 5 game against the Cardinals.