Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers after an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on receiver Bo Melton in the second quarter.
On a deep throw near the sideline to Melton, Branch lowered his helmet, made forcible contact to Melton’s head and made no attempt to play the ball in the air — creating a textbook case for ejection. After initially penalizing Branch 15 yards, replay officials stopped the game and called for Branch’s ejection.
Officials penalized Branch another 15 yards for his reaction following the ejection.
Here’s the hit:
https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1853200996530311486
The Packers failed to make good on the penalties. Tucker Kraft dropped a pass on third down, and Brandon McManus missed a field goal wide left from 46 yards out.
The Lions will be without Branch — who has four interceptions this season — for the rest of the contest Sunday at Lambeau Field.
