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The Arizona Cardinals have made their decision on what player they are bringing back from the injured reserve and it is veteran safety Tyvon Branch.
S Tyvon Branch pick to come off IR for @AZCardinals. Out practicing today. Can't play before Dec. 4. Means season over for RB Chris Johnson.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) November 23, 2016
Branch was one of the big off season acquisitions that General Manager Steve Keim made, with the hope of lessening the burden on Tyrann Mathieu's rehab.
Branch played in four games before his injury that forced him onto the injured reserve.
In those four games he played heavy as a nickel corner, recording 22 tackles in that time.
The decision to bring back Branch speaks to two things about the Arizona Cardinals roster.
- They know Mathieu is not quite right and want him to get as healthy as possible for a potential late season push.
- The Arizona Cardinals special teams improving is a priority. It has been basically abysmal all season, but Minnesota may have been the low point.
Bringing Branch back gives them an additional, healthy, athletic option for teams play.
That closes the door on Chris Johnson for 2016 as well.
Good luck to Branch, hope he can have the impact everyone expected.