Branch played 14 of 54 defensive snaps during Saturday's preseason victory versus the Raiders, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

EDGE Analysis

A part of the starting lineup in a five-man defensive backfield, Branch notched four tackles (two solo) during his limited time on the field. If Saturday's configuration is any indication, he could be in line for significant snaps alongside fellow safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Antoine Bethea in the regular season.

Branch (groin) took a $2 million paycut for the upcoming season, Kent Somers of AZ Central Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move gives the Cardinals $2 million in cap space after the team has already agreed to terms with the likes of Antoine Bethea, Phil Dawson, Chandler Jones, and Karlos Dansby. Branch will become a free agent next season.

The Cardinals will placed Branch (groin) on injured reserve, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Bruce Arians told Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site that Branch suffered a groin tear Sunday at Miami, marking the defensive back's second such injury of the season. The aggravation contained Branch to six appearances in his initial campaign with the team, which resulted in 28 tackles (25 solo) and four passes defended. He has one year remaining on his current contract.

Branch has been ruled out of Sunday's contest in Miami due to a groin injury.

EDGE Analysis

Branch resided on injured reserve for seven games with a groin injury before his activation for last Sunday's win against the Redskins. If the current concern is indeed an aggravation, his first season with the Cardinals could soon be over. At the moment, the defense currently boasts two healthy safeties with Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) inactive Sunday.

Branch (groin) has officially been activated from injured reserve, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch -- who hasn't suited up since Week 4 -- was one of three viable candidates Arizona could have chosen to bring back from IR. While it's unclear when he'll first be ready to play again, his impending availability should bolster a defensive unit that has surrendered at least 30 points in each of the past two weeks.

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.

Branch was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

A safety for most of his career, Branch has mostly worked as a slot cornerback this season while Tyrann Mathieu has been eased back into the fold as a traditional safety. D.J. Swearinger replaced Branch in the slot during Sunday's loss to the Rams, but it may be only a matter of time until Mathieu returns to his hybrid role. The Cardinals can bring one player back from IR after a minimum eight-week absence, with Branch and Chris Johnson (groin) currently the leading candidates.

Branch left Sunday's game against the Rams due to a groin injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was limited throughout the week of practice and listed as questionable for Sunday's game, bothered by a groin injury that he aggravated during Sunday's contest. He's considered questionable to return, with D.J. Swearinger covering the slot in his absence.

Branch (groin) is active for Sunday's contest versus the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Limited in drills this week due to a groin issue, Branch will look to uphold his share of the defensive snaps (73 percent) through three games this season, which has helped him put up the second-most tackles (21) among Cardinals defenders.

Branch (groin) is questionable to play in Week 4 against the Buccaneers, Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Branch was limited in practice throughout the week. His status will be confirmed prior to the start of the game.