We already know Tom Brady will miss the New England Patriots' Week 1 matchup at the Arizona Cardinals as a result of his "Deflategate" suspension.
It looks like one of his teammates -- and a former Cardinals draft pick, no less -- might be suspended for that game, as well.
On Thursday, Patriots reporters Doug Kyed and Mike Reiss reported Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch has informed his teammates he has been suspended. The amount of time he'll miss has not been revealed.
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
I'm told this is a team-based issue, not with the NFL. More details needed to learn complete context of situation. https://t.co/wQGyty6pOz
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 18, 2016
Branch was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played in 47 games during his four seasons in Arizona, recording 68 total tackles and four sacks.
Branch played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2011-12 and the Buffalo Bills in 2013 before spending the last two seasons in New England. He recorded 35 total tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack in 15 starts for the Patriots last season.
The 6-foot-6, 324-pounder helped guide the Patriots to a Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seahawks on the Cardinals' home field, University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, in 2015.
