Patriots: WR Deion Branch returns to Patriots – again

Deion Branch is back at his Patriots locker where his nameplate never was removed after the two times the team released him this season.

The wide receiver re-signed with New England after being cut and missing the past four games. He had been cut for the first time just before the season then was re-signed after two games.

Branch said Thursday he had no intention of playing for another team and wants to retire as a Patriot. But he said he knew he would be back. The Patriots signed him to add depth after wide receiver. Donte’ Stallworth suffered a high right ankle sprain in Monday night’s 42-14 win over the Houston Texans.

Stallworth was injured on his only catch of the game, a 63-yard touchdown pass.