Troy Brown

While Deion Branch has been back with the Patriots for just two days after a four-year-plus absence, Tom Brady said their on-field chemistry remains strong.

“It will always be there,’’ Brady said. “I’ve thrown him thousands and thousands of footballs. I think you could pull Troy Brown out of the announcer booth, or whatever he’s doing these days in the media, and he could come in here, put some pads on, and I’d be able to throw him the ball pretty consistently.

“The relationship I have with Deion on the field has always been a great one. There’s always been a natural chemistry. I hope that we’ll be able to rely back on that a little bit.’’

Coach Bill Belichick is also happy to have Branch back.

“I think he’ll help our football team,’’ said Belichick. “He’s a quality player, a good person, good individual, hard-working guy who is a good, instinctive football player.’’

We're curious to see how Branch gets used in the Pats offense. Brandon Tate was a hot pickup and this could have some affect on his production. It'll probably take a week or two to get an idea, but in the meantime, if you have the roster room, Tate and Branch could be worth shots, but with tighter rosters it's probably best to pass for now.