Lions placed Brian Branch, Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader on PUP list

The Lions are set to begin training camp this week and three defensive players are expected to sit out the first practice session.

Defensive back Brian Branch, edge rusher Marcus Davenport and defensive end DJ Reader were all placed on the physically unable to perform list on Sunday. The three players will not be able to practice until they are activated and the Lions can release them to take the field at any time.

Branch did not practice this offseason after undergoing ankle surgery and Davenport, who signed with the team this offseason, is also dealing with an ankle issue. Reader, who is also in his first year with the Lions, tore his quadriceps last year.

The Lions also placed forward Giovanni Manu on the non-football injury list.