October 22, 2025 – Detroit, MI
The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday that they have placed veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham on injured reserve (IR), following a re-aggravation of a hamstring injury. The move, while disappointing, opens the door for the return of second-year safety Brian Branch, who is coming off a suspension and is expected to rejoin the lineup immediately.Cunningham, 28, has battled hamstring issues throughout the 2025 season. After initially missing three games earlier in the year due to the same injury, he returned in Week 7’s Monday night game but left early after appearing to tweak the same leg. Following medical evaluation, the Lions decided to place him on IR to allow proper recovery time while managing their 53-man roster ahead of key midseason matchups.
Though not a full-time starter, Cunningham brought leadership and reliability to the Lions’ linebacker room. His experience—spanning multiple seasons with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles before signing with Detroit—made him a valuable asset both on defense and special teams.
In his limited action this season, Cunningham provided solid support in rotational packages and contributed significantly on special teams, an area where the Lions have quietly excelled. Losing him for a minimum of four games will force defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to reshuffle roles and lean more heavily on younger talent.
Zach’s a guy who understands the game at a high level, head coach Dan Campbell said during Tuesday’s media availability. He brings energy and professionalism every day. We’re going to miss him, but we believe in the next man up.
While Cunningham’s absence is unfortunate, it coincides with the welcome return of standout safety Brian Branch, who missed the last two games due to a league-imposed suspension. The second-year defensive back had been one of Detroit’s most dynamic defenders in 2024 and picked up right where he left off earlier this season, showing great range, ball-hawking instincts, and physicality in the secondary.
Branch’s reinstatement comes at a critical time. The Lions are entering a challenging stretch that includes matchups with NFC contenders and divisional rivals, and his presence could provide a much-needed boost to a defense that has dealt with a slew of injuries.
I’m ready to get back and help my team win, Branch said in a brief statement. I’ve learned from the past few weeks and I’m focused on what’s ahead.
The decision to place Cunningham on IR was likely as much about roster management as it was about health. NFL rules require players placed on injured reserve to miss a minimum of four games. If all goes well in Cunningham’s recovery, he could return in time for Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Green Bay Packers — a matchup that may hold major playoff implications.
In the meantime, linebackers Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and first-round pick Jack Campbell are expected to see expanded roles. All three have shown flashes this season, with Campbell in particular developing into a steady presence in both run defense and coverage.
Special teams coach Dave Fipp will also need to fill Cunningham’s spot in coverage units, though the Lions have proven depth in that phase.
With a 5-2 record heading into Week 8, Detroit sits atop the NFC North and continues to prove it’s more than just a feel-good story. The Lions have overcome injuries, suspensions, and tough road games to emerge as a legitimate contender — but the loss of seasoned players like Cunningham adds pressure to an already thin defensive unit.
Still, the culture that Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have built in Detroit is one of resilience and readiness. Younger players are expected to step in, contribute, and maintain the aggressive style of play that has defined the team’s rise over the last two seasons.
The Lions will also rely more heavily on defensive captains like Alex Anzalone and Aidan Hutchinson to lead the way as they continue to pursue their first division title since 1993.
Cunningham’s stint on IR is a setback, but not one the Lions are unprepared for. The organization has invested heavily in young talent, and now is the time for that investment to pay off. If Cunningham can return healthy down the stretch, Detroit’s defense could be even stronger as the playoffs approach.
For now, all eyes turn to Brian Branch’s return — and to the players who must step up in Cunningham’s absence.
The Lions host the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday in a key divisional clash, and with a reshuffled defense and renewed energy, they’ll look to prove once again that they’re built to handle adversity.
