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Branch has obviously lost more than a step, but he is still a reliable receiver in the short and mid-range game. More importantly, he was clearly the best option to fill the void left at the No. 3 receiver with the injury of Stallworth. He won’t be making big 63-yard touchdown catches and stretching the field, but he will be a steady pair of hands for Tom Brady on a roster that is currently void of depth at the wide receiver position.

The Patriots have dealt with as many severe injuries as anybody, especially with regards to the offensive side of the ball. Specifically, at the wide receiver position. Let’s hope Stallworth can make a good recovery and continue where he left off on Monday, but the most important thing at this point is the productivity of Branch. Julian Edelman is out for the long haul, and the number of weapons have thinned out. Let’s hope Rob Gronkowski can return soon- but not too son. That’s the key.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

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No official announcement has been made by the team on a potential re-signing of Williams, who was used mostly on special teams. What makes things interesting is that the Patriots practice squad is now filled up after the signing of former UCF wideout Kamar Aiken. We’ll see who gets release to make room for Williams on the practice squad, if that’s what ends up happening.

Aiken was worked out by the Patriots last week, and it is interesting to see that the Pats have signed him over rookie wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei after working both players out. Aiken has been in the league for a couple of years and has done little since going undrafted in 2011. He has played for the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears, after an unexceptional college career.

Both players have upside, but Tuinei has more upside and had some huge games for the Oregon Ducks as a senior last season. He never quite put it all together in college, but he is a terrific blocker and would be a good fit on the scout’s team. He was recently released from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

Salas seems to be highly valued by the organization, because the Patriots protected him on the practice squad by increasing his salary so that other teams could not poach him. He has the makings of a solid possession receiver and has more to offer to this team than Branch does.

Last week against the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots gave Deion Branch eight targets to work with in his most heavily-used game. He flopped big time and was the LVP on offense by averaging just 3.75 yards per target. Branch’s veteran know-how in run blocking was seen and he is still good in that regard, but his performance as a pass-catcher shows that he’s nearing the end of the line.

That’s not big news or anything, and I would much rather give Salas the playing time. It’s going to be tough to see Branch go, but I have a feeling the parting of ways won’t be for too long. He should rejoin the team at some point in the future, but there is no doubt that Salas has more upside and is the better player at this point in time. We are all appreciative of what Branch has done for the franchise and will miss his veteran leadership down the stretch, but talent is the primary factor in winning games. Salas has more talent.

Add in the fact that he is suffering from hamstring issues, and the decision to promote Salas from the practice squad and release Branch makes even more sense.

Let’s see which team claims Branch off of waivers.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.