New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's drug policy, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting.
Schefter said Branch tested positive for marijuana and is appealing the suspension.
The Patriots defense is already shorthanded, having traded linebacker Jamie Collins last month. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard was also left home as a healthy scratch from Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Patriots are scheduled to play the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon.
