With DT Alan Branch likely out, who will take his reps Sunday vs. Steelers?

Alan Branch was the only player missing from the start of Patriots’ practice on Friday, which means he won’t be playing Sunday against the Steelers. What does that mean for the New England defense?


The 6-foot-6, 324-pounder is one of the Patriots’ best run-stuffers, and not having him in the lineup against Pittsburgh and Le’Veon Bell will leave void in the middle of New England’s front seven. Branch went down with a knee issue in Monday’s loss to the Dolphins; given the fact that the Patriots went out and re-acquired Ricky Jean Francois the next day, they probably had an indication that it was going to be serious enough where he would miss some time.

The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Jean Francois was initially signed by New England last month, but was cut loose on Dec. 2. He was re-signed this week. Jean Francois has played in three games with the Patriots this season, and will likely be the one who steps in to take the bulk of Branch’s reps, at least this Sunday against the Steelers. In addition, it wouldn’t be a shock to see more reps and more responsibility for defensive tackle Lawrence Guy — Branch’s injury wasn’t the only reason, but it wasn’t completely coincidental that Guy played a season-high 54 snaps Monday against Miami.

The other key figure here is Malcom Brown. The defensive tackle, who has been almost dominant at times this season holding down the middle, will also be asked to be even more of a space-eater than usual against Bell and the rest of the Steelers' running game.