FOXBORO -- Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch missed the final three games of the regular season with a knee injury, and also was inactive for the AFC divisional round last weekend.
According to Branch, he's healthy enough to play, it's now in the hands of the coaching staff.
“Nothing’s changed at all man, I’m feeling good,” Branch said Friday. “It’s just not my call. I have to keep working as if I am in the game and if I’m not, we’ll see.”
It appears Branch has been jumped on the depth chart by Ricky Jean Francois, who was re-signed following Branch's injury. The team also has Malcom Brown and Lawrence Guy, as interior defensive lineman.
“I don’t play this game just to sit on the sidelines,” Branch said. “If there’s a game to be played, I want to be in it.”
Facing a Jacksonville offense led by running back Leonard Fournette, Branch is preparing like he is playing.
“My preparation is going to be the same regardless whether I play or not,” he said. “I’m still watching film, practicing hard, it’s more so if I get called up or not. I just don’t think there’s any other way to deal with it. You have to keep going. I’m not going to sit and cry. It is what it is.”
As of now, it doesn't appear like Branch will be active, but nothing is official until the list comes out 90 minutes before game time.