New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch has won his appeal of a four-game suspension, a league source told ESPN's Field Yates.
Branch was facing a suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy after reportedly testing positive for marijuana. He has been arguably the Patriots' best interior defensive lineman, most recently praised by coach Bill Belichick for holding up multiple blockers in the middle of the defense.
Branch, 31, has started all 11 of the Patriots' games this season, recording 39 tackles and one sack. He was suspended by the Patriots for a few days in August for violating team rules.
Branch pairs with 2015 first-round draft choice Malcom Brown as the team's starting tandem. Both usually come off the field in obvious passing situations.
With Branch's status uncertain earlier in the week, the Patriots claimed defensive tackle Darius Kilgo on waivers from the Denver Broncos. Kilgo could still be part of the team's future plans as Branch is scheduled for unrestricted free agency after the season.
ESPN's Mike Reiss contributed to this report.