Deion Branch (1 Viewer)

[Mystery Achiever]

What are the chances Branch gets back on the field before Engram? Our league added an IR slot this year and I'd like to stash one of them at least until I need the slot. Was thinking Engram, but didn't realize Branch had a shot to come back so soon.

 

[Bears_Man2]

Rushing Branch back has disaster written all over it. I believe he was suffering from injury (foot? calf?) when they rushed him back for the playoffs.

Maybe Taylor/Kent aren't the answers, but I'm sure they'll do until Engram returns and Branch can play a full share of snaps.

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Seattle Times is reporting he has a chance to play in week one.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Seattle Times is reporting he has a chance to play in week one.

Deion Branch: Not quite ready to returnPosted by Danny O'Neil

Wide receiver Deion Branch appeared on KJR (950 AM) on Tuesday morning with Dave Mahler to discuss the bowling tournament he will have at Lucky Strike Lanes in Bellevue next Tuesday.

Branch is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery after suffering a torn ligament early in Seattle's playoff loss to Green Bay. Mahler asked when he will return.

"I'm close to returning," Branch said on the radio. "I wouldn't say I'm ready right now, if you asked me today."

Mahler followed up to ask him specifically what the time frame is for the return, and Branch was pretty coy. He said it will be a surprise. The team does not relase a practice report until after Wednesday's workout.

Holmgren said after Friday's exhibition game against Oakland that the expectation was Branch might be ready to practice this week.

Branch said part of the process is rebuilding his stamina and strength.

"I'm breaking through the fatigue phase," Branch said.

LINK

 

[AnonymousBob]

Their bye is in week 4...unless Branch suffers a setback it seems he'll be with the team starting in week 5.

 

[southeastjerome]

When Branch comes back will he go back to his split end position or will he start at flanker? Obviously this is big for PPR leagues. Right now Courtney Taylor is slated to start at flanker, any Seattle homers know how things will shake out when Branch comes back? I haven't seen anything on this, but I'd venture to guess he'd play flanker and they'd keep Burleson at split end and send Taylor to the bench.

 

[AnonymousBob]

When Branch comes back will he go back to his split end position or will he start at flanker? Obviously this is big for PPR leagues. Right now Courtney Taylor is slated to start at flanker, any Seattle homers know how things will shake out when Branch comes back? I haven't seen anything on this, but I'd venture to guess he'd play flanker and they'd keep Burleson at split end and send Taylor to the bench.

I see no reason he won't reclaim his spot as split end.

 

[southeastjerome]

When Branch comes back will he go back to his split end position or will he start at flanker? Obviously this is big for PPR leagues. Right now Courtney Taylor is slated to start at flanker, any Seattle homers know how things will shake out when Branch comes back? I haven't seen anything on this, but I'd venture to guess he'd play flanker and they'd keep Burleson at split end and send Taylor to the bench.

I see no reason he won't reclaim his spot as split end.

So you think Taylor will remain starting at flanker then? I just can't see Nate Burleson there.

 

[Rogi]

Branch might be the 2008 version of Marvin Harrison and Javon Walker last season. Seems like they were always on the verge of returning. I guess if you can afford a roster spot then it might be worth it. But I'd like to hear a more definitive answer on his return.

 

[the rover]

When Branch comes back will he go back to his split end position or will he start at flanker? Obviously this is big for PPR leagues. Right now Courtney Taylor is slated to start at flanker, any Seattle homers know how things will shake out when Branch comes back? I haven't seen anything on this, but I'd venture to guess he'd play flanker and they'd keep Burleson at split end and send Taylor to the bench.

I see no reason he won't reclaim his spot as split end.

They shuffled things around last year. Branch was the flanker in this offense in 2007 (they thought it would be easier for him to get some space being off the ball). Hackett was the split end. Engram was the slot.Taylor/Burleson will split the split end duties when Branch and Engram return.

 

[AB in DC]

This is eerily similar to the Kevin Jones situation from last year -- right down to the early bye week and likely return the following week.

KJ turned out to be a decent spot starter for a few weeks but very inconsistent. I would expect the same from Branch this year.

 

[AnonymousBob]

CBS is reporting if his practice goes well he'll play against the Bills in week one.

 

[taz]

From The Associated Press:

RENTON, Wash. -- Deion Branch is testing his surgically reconstructed knee for the first time to see if he can play in the Seahawks' season opener on Sunday.Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday his receiver and former Super Bowl MVP will practice this week for the first time since surgery seven months ago. If that goes well, he will play at Buffalo. Full recovery from reconstructive knee surgery sometimes takes 12 months or more, but Holmgren said Branch has been progressing well in his rehabilitation.Seattle needs Branch more than it did even last week, following the loss of receiver Ben Obomanu for the season because of a broken collarbone. Leading returning receiver Bobby Engram remains out indefinitely with a broken shoulder.Courtney Taylor will start opposite Nate Burleson at wide receiver against the Bills. Taylor has five career catches.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I expect him to step in and pick up right where he left off. As far as I'm aware, this offense hasn't changed from the one it's been the last few years at all. There's nothing new for him to learn this time.

Then your expectations would go against past history. Players coming back early from ACL injuries don't come back at the same level their first year. I don't have time to scramble for stats on this one, but it's pretty common knowledge at this point.

Common knowledge or common myth?Jamal Lewis, Deuce Mcallister, and Javon Walker all came back from their injury and produced right on, if not better than their career averages. But Edge has a bad year coming off it 6 years ago and still people are hung up on the near decade old "OMG ACL TEAR MEANS 2 YEARS BEFORE HE'S USEFUL AGAIN!!!" nonsense.

 

[David Yudkin]

I expect him to step in and pick up right where he left off. As far as I'm aware, this offense hasn't changed from the one it's been the last few years at all. There's nothing new for him to learn this time.

Then your expectations would go against past history. Players coming back early from ACL injuries don't come back at the same level their first year. I don't have time to scramble for stats on this one, but it's pretty common knowledge at this point.

Common knowledge or common myth?Jamal Lewis, Deuce Mcallister, and Javon Walker all came back from their injury and produced right on, if not better than their career averages. But Edge has a bad year coming off it 6 years ago and still people are hung up on the near decade old "OMG ACL TEAR MEANS 2 YEARS BEFORE HE'S USEFUL AGAIN!!!" nonsense.

There's a difference between 2 years and 7 months post surgery. And Deuce and Walker were not as productive once they came back.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

And Deuce and Walker were not as productive once they came back.

Deuce the year prior to his ACL tear: 269 carries for 1,074yds (4.0ypc) and 9 TDs, 34 receptions for 228yds (6.7ypc)Deuce the year after his ACL tear: 244 carris for 1057yds (4.3ypc) and 10 TDs, 30 receptions for 198yds (6.6ypc)I'm not sure what world that's "not as productive" in.Walker is tougher to guage since he has so few healthy seasons to compare to, and since he was on a different team. He put up a very good 1200 yards and 9TDs the year after his ACL tear. Oddly enough, in his 6 NFL seasons the year after his ACL tear was one of only two that he ever started more than 10 games in.

 

[David Yudkin]

And Deuce and Walker were not as productive once they came back.

Deuce the year prior to his ACL tear: 269 carries for 1,074yds (4.0ypc) and 9 TDs, 34 receptions for 228yds (6.7ypc)Deuce the year after his ACL tear: 244 carris for 1057yds (4.3ypc) and 10 TDs, 30 receptions for 198yds (6.6ypc)I'm not sure what world that's "not as productive" in.Walker is tougher to guage since he has so few healthy seasons to compare to, and since he was on a different team. He put up a very good 1200 yards and 9TDs the year after his ACL tear. Oddly enough, in his 6 NFL seasons the year after his ACL tear was one of only two that he ever started more than 10 games in.

I was comparing Deuce to his peak years (like 1400-1600 yards), so I guess technically he did about the same or slightly better than the season just before he got hurt.I still would be interested to see guys coming back and starting almost 7 months to the day from when their ACL surgery was performed (which is where Branch is at this point). I understand that every healing process is different and every tear could be less severe than others, but it really sounds like he is trying to come back too soon. I guess we'll have to see what happens . . .

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Indeed, 7 months is unusually short for this. I think he'd be on the PUP if Seattle didn't have so many WR injuries.

 

[AnonymousBob]

The miracle return will not happen in week one. He's out vs. the Bills.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Burleson is now out for the season. Branch is still likely a couple weeks away but with everybody else hurt it'll be him or Engram after the bye week.

 

[Eviloutsider]

News?

 

[the rover]

News?

September 10, 2008 3:21 PM

Deion Branch practices in 11-on-11 portion

Posted by Danny O'Neil

Wide receiver Deion Branch had his most extensive practice so far this year. Coach Mike Holmgren said in his Wednesday press conference that the expectation is Branch and Bobby Engram will be back after the bye, which means they would miss the next two games.

Sean Locklear, Maurice Morris and Bobby Engram were the only two players who didn't practice at well.

Jordan Kent was back on the field, practicing as part of the practice squad, which is just so literal. Kent came onto the field after practice began.

 

[AnonymousBob]

News?

He won't come back before week 4...barring a miracle. I picked up Carlson (TE) as they'll have to throw to somebody and Hasslebeck has mentioned his name several times.