The victory against the Cardinals was costly for Lions defensive back Brian Branch.
The NFL fined him $20,256 for two illegal actions, one of which was a hit that sent him to the concussion protocol.
One of his $10,128 fines was for unnecessary roughness while using the helmet on Cardinals tight end Trey McBride in the fourth quarter. McBride did not practice this week and will not play Sunday after being diagnosed with a concussion.
Branch has completed concussion protocol and will play.
The NFL also fined Branch $10,128 for unnecessary brutality for punching, kicking or kneeling an opponent, who appeared to be Tip Reiman, on kicker Matt Prater’s 42-yard field goal to end the first half-time.
Two other Lions were fined.
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin lost $11,255 for unnecessary roughness following a late hit on wide receiver Michael Wilson in the second quarter.
The NFL awarded safety Kerby Joseph $7,505 for unnecessary roughness following a hit on a defenseless player when he hit Marvin Harrison Jr. after cornerback Terrion Arnold brought down the receiver in the fourth quarter .
