Branch Could Be Back Way Sooner Than Anyone Expected
Look, nothing is guaranteed here. But the vibes around Brian Branch and his torn Achilles recovery? They’re damn good right now.
How good? We’re talking about the possibility of Branch returning during training camp and being ready for Week 1. Yeah, you read that right.
Dan Campbell isn’t putting any timetables on it, but he’s also not shutting the door. When asked if Branch could be back for camp, Campbell didn’t hesitate with the typical coach-speak deflection we’re used to hearing.
“He could be,” Campbell said. “There are no setbacks with him. That’s what I can tell you. He’s doing a good job. He’s putting in the work, but until we really get closer. I hate to start throwing a timetable on him, you know. But he’s doing well.”
No setbacks. That’s the key phrase here. Branch posted rehab footage recently and looks good. The timeline isn’t impossible either.
The SpeedBridge Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting. We don’t know the specifics of Branch’s tear or what surgical procedure he had, but there’s something called the SpeedBridge surgery that could explain a faster return.
According to Dave Kempfert, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee and former NFL offensive lineman, this procedure has helped players like Cam Akers return to elite competition in as little as five to seven months.
“For most people, it’s going to be a year or more to return to full activity after an Achilles repair,” Kempfert explained. “With this surgery, we have seen people return as early as 5–7 months to elite-level competitive sport.”
Branch’s injury happened on December 5th. That was six months ago.
We’re not doctors here, and we don’t know the exact details of his injury or treatment. But the math works. The rehab progress looks encouraging. And Campbell isn’t ruling anything out.
Training camp starts in July. That’s when we’ll know if this cautious optimism has any legs to stand on.
Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment or is this actually happening? What’s your gut telling you about Branch’s return timeline?
