For the Detroit Lions, stopping the NFL's fourth-ranked passing offense just got a bit more difficult.

Safety Brian Branch is inactive for the Lions' Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks after he was downgraded to doubtful Sunday because of an illness.

Branch suffered a brain injury in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and cleared concussion protocol on Saturday, but reported an illness Sunday and was downgraded on the injury report.

Branch has one of the Lions' three interceptions this season, and leads the team in tackles through three games.

Second-year safety Brandon Joseph, who played the first five defensive snaps of his career against the Cardinals, is expected to start in Branch's place after the Lions placed Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve Saturday.

More: Out for a spin: How Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson perfected his favorite pass rush move

Along with Branch, center Frank Ragnow (pectoral), receiver Isaiah Williams and tackle Gio Manu are inactive for the Lions (2-1).

Boye Mafe (three sacks) and Leonard Williams (1½ sacks), two of the Seahawks' best pass rushers, and rookie backup Byron Murphy are inactive for Seattle (3-0).

Dave Birkett will be signing his new book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline," from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at Pro Sports Zone in Laurel Park Place mall. Order it now from Reedy Press.

Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions Seahawks inactives: Brian Branch out on Monday Night Football