The New England Patriots will have starting defensive tackle Alan Branch down the stretch after all. The veteran lineman was suspended by the league for a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but the punishment was rescinded and he avoided a four-game suspension.
Alan Branch’s suspension for NFL drug policy violation rescinded
The veteran defensive lineman had a four-game suspension removed.
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the cause for the failed drug test was marijuana.
But before he could even appeal, the NFL tossed the punishment:
Branch has appeared in all 10 games for the Patriots this fall, making 33 tackles. He’ll appeal the suspension, but if the judgment was upheld he would have been replaced in the New England rotation by either Woodrow Hamilton or Vincent Valentine. Instead he’ll be free to contribute.
The Patriots have a relatively soft schedule in their final six games, though a Week 15 showdown with the Broncos and a Week 17 game against the surging Dolphins could have a major impact on the team’s quest for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Losing Branch would have been a significant loss, even if Valentine has shown flashes of excellence this fall.
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