Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch will not play in Thursday's preseason matchup against the Bears after being suspended for a violation of team rules, according to multiple reports.
The cause of the suspension was not immediately known, though it is only expected to last "a couple of days," team sources told the Boston Herald.
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Branch failed his conditioning test to begin camp, and his contract does include certain weight clauses.
Branch was released by the Bills at the beginning of the 2014 season after being arrested for a DUI, but has had a clean record since. He started 15 games with the Patriots last season and is expected to start at defensive tackle this season.
Branch has 36 tackles, two forced fumbles and one sack over 24 games in New England.