DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 04: Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on December 04, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesIn recent weeks, weve seen some clips of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch and his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury suffered in early December. Weve also seen some other players across the league who suffered Achilles injuries offer some optimism for their 2026 outlook. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who suffered an Achilles just days after Branch, was cleared for 7-on-7s this month. Niners tight end George Kittle is still aiming a Week 1 return, despite suffering his injury in the playoffs.On Thursday, I asked Campbell if there was an outside chance Branch could be ready at some point in training camp. Safe to say, Campbell wasnt quite as optimistic as Jones or Kittle.Uh, I dont know. I mean, I guess theres always a chance, Campbell said.Then, he joked, Im gonna just go ahead and widen the window so we dont have to talk about it anymore. Lets just go ahead and say December and then anything before that is a bonus. That way you dont have to ask me. If Branch isnt ready for training camp, hell likely start on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Detroit will then have to make a decision at the start of the season if theyll keep him on the PUP list, which would force him to miss at a minimum four games. Campbell said Branch is a candidate for that, but did offer some optimism.He could be, Campbell said. Look, theres no setbacks with him. Thats what I can tell you. Hes doing a good job, hes putting in the work, but its a littleuntil we really get closer, I hate to start throwing a timetable on him, but hes doing well.Complicating matters for Branch is that hes entering a contract year. Lions general manager Brad Holmes has already expressed an interest in giving him an extension, but on Thursday Campbell said they may need to get some reassurance about Branchs future health before making that move. You always want to know that your guys are healthy and that this is truly healed, Campbell said. Youre always going to want to lean that way knowing the investment that would go into that.