Brian Branch ejected: Lions DB was ejected from the Lions-Packers game in Week 9

The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers, 24-14, in a key NFC North showdown at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

With the win, the Lions own a one-game lead in the most competitive division in the NFL over the Minnesota Vikings and a game and a half over the rival Packers.

The Lions prevailed despite playing without one of their best defensive players — safety Brian Branch — for the second half. Here's why:

Brian Branch ejection

The second-year safety was ejected from the game with 6:18 left in the second quarter for his hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.

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The hit came on a second-and-20 for the Packers from…