The Patriots declined to pick up Branch's 2018 contract option Tuesday, and he will now be a free agent this offseason, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch picked up six starts and appeared in 12 total games but was ultimately passed up on the depth chart in favor of Ricky Jean Francois and ended up being a healthy scratch in the Super Bowl. The veteran Branch said he intends to continue playing football, so he'll be on the lookout for a new home this offseason.

Branch (knee) does not appear on Wednesday's injury report.

EDGE Analysis

Branch hasn't taken the field since Week 14 of the regular season when he originally injured the meniscus in one of his knees. However, his absence from the injury report suggests that problem is now a thing of the past.

Branch (knee) is inactive for Sunday's AFC championship tilt against Jacksonville.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was limited throughout practice throughout the week but is still struggling to get back to 100 percent after injuring his knee in Week 15 of the regular season. Expect Ricky Jean Francois, who has played well in relief of Branch, to see some extra snaps once again this week.

Branch (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was a limited participant in practice this week after being forced to sit out last week's divisional-round victory over the Titans. The 33-year-old was limited last week as well, so his potential availability for Sunday remains unclear, and he is likely to be a gameday decision.

Branch (knee) is officially inactive for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was listed as questionable after being a limited practice participant this week, and had earlier indicated that he expected to play Saturday. The Patriots' coaching staff evidently felt otherwise, with Ricky Jean Francois likely to see an increased rotational role at defensive tackle.

Branch (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier in the week, Branch insisted that he feels ready to return to the field after missing the last three games with a meniscus injury. Coupled with the fact the veteran was able to practice without any limitations Friday, Branch seems to be more on the probable side of the questionable tag. If he's ultimately ruled out, however, Ricky Jean Francois would likely in store for another handful of defensive reps.

Branch (knee) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Branch sat out the final three games of the regular season and also had the Patriots' first round bye to rest up. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports the 33-year-old "feels good to go" for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Titans.

Branch (knee) will remain sidelined for Sunday's regular season finale against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Branch's absence will mark his third consecutive game missed. As a result, Ricky Jean Francois figures to continue seeing extended run providing depth at defensive tackle. The Patriots have a first-round bye in the playoffs, so Branch will have some extra time to recover.

Branch (knee) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was expected to be sidelined a few weeks due to the meniscus issue, so this was to be expected. Ricky Jean Francois and Adam Butler should serve as reserve defensive tackles while Branch remains sidelined.

Branch (knee) is dealing with a "meniscus issue" but will not require surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch, who missed last week's victory over the Steelers, is expected to be sidelined a few weeks due to the injury. However, the fact he won't require surgery gives him a shot to return sometime in the postseason, depending on how the Patriots' season unfolds. In the meantime, Branch's absence likely opens the door for the recently signed Ricky Jean Francois to see added snaps.