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Branch returning to Patriots

Print | Comments () Posted by Mike Whitmer, Globe Staff September 18, 2012 06:13 PM

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The Patriots are bringing back receiver Deion Branch, according to a league source, days after the passing game took a hit with the ankle injury to Aaron Hernandez.

Branch was one of the team's final cuts during the preseason, but having him back on the team isn't a totally unexpected move. The Patriots never took Branch's name off his locker, which is still right next to quarterback Tom Brady's.

Branch is no stranger to the Patriots, having spent part of six seasons with New England, including 2011, when he caught five touchdown passes among his 51 receptions.