Branch (groin) returned to practice Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for his activation from injured reserve, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals had three legitimate candidates to return this season -- also, Chris Johnson (groin) and Alani Fua (knee) -- but will opt for relief on the defensive side of the equation. While Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) has settled into the slot cornerback spot (when healthy) in Branch's stead, the latter should earn snaps when defensive coordinator James Bettcher trots out six (or more) defensive backs down the stretch.