Lions downgrade Brian Branch to doubtful, could be without 2 safeties on MNF

DETROIT - The Lions have downgraded safety Brian Branch to doubtful for their game against Seattle on Monday Night Football. Branch is dealing with an illness, according to the team.

Branch moved to safety this season and is already one of the best players at that position in the league. He leads everyone in passes defended (seven), leads the team in tackles (22), and has also picked off one pass. He did miss some practice time this week due to neck and brain injuries, but was not listed on Saturday's injury report and had been expected to play against Seattle. A day later, it looks like the Lions will probably be without two of their top three safeties against a Seahawks team that has shredded their defense in each of the last three years.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, expected to be the top safety off the bench this year, was placed on injured reserve over the weekend and won't play until at least November. That means former undrafted free agent Brandon Joseph, who has played five defensive snaps this season, is expected to earn his first NFL start if Branch can't go.

The Lions also have ruled out fellow defensive starters Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, while All-Pro center Frank Ragnow also won't play on the other side of the ball.

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