Deion Branch Is Back, Baby!

Shalize Manza-Young of The Globe is reporting that Branch is back. Branch is in, Salas is out.

So, we all saw this move coming in the wake of Hernandez' injury. Greg Salas came in for 2 weeks to learn a few plays, get a feel for Brady, etc. The Patriots do this every year where they keep a guy for a few weeks to see what they can do. That way, Belichick can sign them if the need arises later. There's a good chance he'll be back. Still, Salas has gained valuable experience in these two weeks, but its experience that Branch already has. Salas can go home and practice his role on The Pats while he sits by the phone on Sundays.

I always had faith that Branch would be back at one point this season. If he wasn't planning on coming back, he'd have signed with another team already.

In addition to Branch, The Pats signed Kellen Winslow, Jr. to a 1-year deal with no guaranteed money. It's not fair to expect Winslow to be Hernandez, but he does have a good set of hands. His production is not off the charts, but he has never had an elite QB on his team either. Winslow was highly touted out of college, and caught 75 passes last year. The Patriots passed on him earlier in the year, and we don't know exactly why. It was reported that he failed his physical, but then sources refuted that report. Either way, he's here now, and he may be asked to contribute as early as Sunday. I am sure he remembers how to block and catch, but his knees and his conditioning are storylines to consider. Don't expect a marathon effort on Sunday.

A few other moves of note: The Patriots released LB Mike Rivera and FB Lex Hilliard. Also, the team hosted 7 players. DTs Antonio Dixon and Terrell McClain, OT Nick Mondek, WRs Kashif Moore and Brian Robiskie, and LB Nathan Stupar.