Patriots DT Alan Branch Reportedly Suspended
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots' defensive line took a hit on Thursday, as defensive tackle Alan Branch has reportedly been suspended.
NESN's Doug Kyed was the first to report the suspension, with The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reporting shortly after the ban will last for "a few days" for violating team rules.
Patriots DT Alan Branch has notified teammates he's been suspended, according to sources informed of the situation. Awaiting more details.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 18, 2016
Alan Branch has been suspended "a few days" for violating team rules, per source. @DougKyed first reported Branch's suspension.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 18, 2016
Howe told Marc Bertrand on Thursday's "Patriots Preview" on 98.5 The Sports Hub that the suspension is nothing serious, and it's good news that this is a team suspension and not from the league.
Branch was a key cog along the New England defensive line last season, appearing in all 16 games (including 15 starts) while recording 35 tackles, one sack and a pair of forced fumbles. He was signed midway through the 2014 season after being cut by the Buffalo Bills following a DUI arrest in training camp.