Brian Branch ejected from Lions Packers for big hit to head

The Detroit Lions lost arguably their best defensive player to an ejection on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Brian Branch was ejected for an unnecessary roughness penalty against Packers wide receiver Bo Melton in the second quarter with the Lions leading 7-3. Jordan Love bought time and tried to fit a shot down the sideline to Melton on second-and-20, but the pass sailed out of bounds. Branch launched and leveled Melton with a helmet-to-helmet hit that drew a flag.

Melton takes a hard hit to the helmet here. #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/EIs0L7LE5D

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) November 3, 2024

The referees initially just flagged it as an unnecessary roughness, but consulted and…