Johnathan Walker:Brian Branch ejected: Lions DB was ejected from the Lions-Packers game in Week 9

The Johnathan WalkerDetroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are locked in a tough battle for NFC North supremacy in Week 9. The winner of this game will take a one-game lead in what's been the most competitive division in the NFL.

The Lions will be without one of their best defensive players - safety Brian Branch - for the second half. Here's why:

Brian Branch ejection

The second-year safety was ejected from the game with 6:18 left in the second quarter for his hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.

The hit came on a second-and-20 for the Packers from their own 38-yard line. Green Bay was driving but was just pushed back by a holding penalty.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Branch was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness for the hit but was later ejected after review by the NFL's replay officials in New York.

On the game broadcast, Fox's NFL rules expert, Dean Blandino, explained why the choice was made.

“They’re looking at it, they decided that the hit raised to the level of a disqualification," he said.

The color analyst for Fox's broadcast of this game - Tom Brady - didn't understand the ejection.

"I don't love that call at all," he said after Blandino's explanation. "I mean obviously it's a penalty but, to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this... they're gonna have to adjust the rest of the game losing their best defensive player, who I know they were expecting to have a huge day today. Not an easy guy to replace."

As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady may come under fire for that commentary. His restrictions as a broadcaster include not publicly criticizing game officials. Technically, this decision was made by replay officials, not game officials, so he may be off scot-free for his opinion.

Brian Branch stats

Branch has 40 total tackles (including two for loss), four interceptions, a team-high 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble this season.

Who will replace Brian Branch?

Brandon Joseph came into the game after Branch's ejection and will likely take most of the snaps for the rest of the contest.