Alan Branch, Rex Burkhead sound optimistic note about playing Saturday

FOXBOROUGH — Two of the players who were limited on Wednesday and had missed the regular-season finale — defensive lineman Alan Branch and running back Rex Burkhead — both spoke with the media on Wednesday after practice, and both sounded a positive note about their availability for the Titans’ game on Saturday.

While both remained relatively guarded about their situation, the fact that they were made available to reporters despite any lingering health issues is a sign they could be back on the field sooner rather than later.

Linebacker Marquis Flowers (illness) and running back Mike Gillislee (knee) were the only two players who missed practice for the Patriots on Wednesday. The rest of the practice report remained the same as Tuesday as New England continued to prep for Saturday’s divisional playoff game against the Titans.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
LB Marquis Flowers (illness)
RB Mike Gillislee (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Alan Branch (knee)
RB Rex Burkhead (knee)
WR Chris Hogan (shoulder)
DL Eric Lee (ankle/finger)
LB Kyle Van Noy (calf)
RB James White (ankle)