In the Detroit Lions vs Kansas City Chiefs game this Sunday, Lions safety Brian Branch and Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster got in a scuffle after Branch hit Smith-Schuster on his helmet. After the game, ESPN insider Adam Schefter revealed that the NFL would review both players. Subsequently, Branch got suspended for 1 game without pay, a suspension that Branch appealed. Now, Lions’ Head Coach Dan Campbell has finally addressed the issue.

As per Lions’ reporter Eric Woodyard, Dan Campbell is all set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without him. Campbell also talked about Branch’s appeal against the suspension. “if it happens, that’s a bonus. Right now, I’m assuming he’s out and he’s not gonna win it,” Campbell said, as Detroit focuses on the next game.” wrote Eric’s tweet. The suspension from the game wasn’t a surprise to anybody after what happened on the field.

During the scuffle, Brian Branch initiated physical contact by slapping Smith-Schuster. The NFL stated that the ban was due to unsportsmanlike conduct. The vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, mentioned in his letter to the Branch that his aggression could have caused injury and violated the NFL’s standards.

“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players. Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.” Jon Runyan wrote. After the suspension, Branch is expected to miss the week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He will become eligible to join the active roster the following day. That’s an ample amount of time to rethink his aggressiveness as the Lions have a Bye in Week 8. His appeal against this one-game suspension will be heard by a hearing officer appointed by both the NFL Players Association and the NFL. This appeal is expected to be heard by today or Wednesday. This means Brian’s availability for the next game will be decided before the 49ers return to practice on Thursday. But it looks like Campbell’s statement makes everyone feel like Branch’s appeal will not bring any change.

The 23-year-old’s unavailability for the game against the Buccaneers will be a big blow for the team, as they are already thin on the secondary due to multiple injuries. Cornerback D.J. Reed is on IR because of a hamstring injury, and cornerback Terrion Arnold is also dealing with a shoulder injury.  Safety Kerby Joseph is playing through a knee injury and was seen limping against the Chiefs. Other notable mentions are CB Khalil Dorsey (wrist injury and concussion), CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder), CB Avonte Maddox (hamstring), and Safety Daniel Thomas (forearm).

Although Campbell might adjust his strategy after Branch’s incident, he has been quite vocal about the incident that led to Branch’s suspension.

Campbell’s statements have been quite clear about Branch 

After the incident, Campbell made it clear that what Branch did on the field is not acceptable, but he didn’t go all out on him, as his statement had a sprinkle of concern for Branch as well. “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be accepted here. It’s not what we do, it’s not what we’re about,” Campbell said. HC knew it was Branch’s fault, and that’s why he also apologized to coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs, and Schuster.

After the suspension news, Campbell said Branch has a great heart, but Lions’ HC didn’t shy away from saying Branch will learn from the suspension.

“He’ll learn from it. This was one instance of something that happens; it doesn’t matter what led to it… You can’t take out your aggression on somebody else. Can’t cross that line. He’s an outstanding young man. He’s got a great heart.” Campbell said via Ben Raven of MLive. 

Outstanding or not, one thing is certain: the NFL doesn’t tolerate a fight on the sideline.