New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Branch tested positive for marijuana and he is appealing the four-game suspension.
The suspension will not start until after the appeal is heard, so Branch is expected to play Sunday against the New York Jets.
He has started nine of the Patriots' 10 games this season and has one sack and 33 tackles.