Branch broken down again, possibly for entire offseason

By Chris Cluff  |   Monday, January 14, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

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Seattle wide receiver Deion Branch reportedly will require surgery to repair damage to at least one knee ligament -- possibly the ACL. Branch is getting a second opinion after an MRI performed by the team showed ligament damage. Results of the second examination should be known by the end of the week.

Commentary: If it's a torn ACL, Branch will be basically worthless to the Seahawks next season; it takes over a year to fully recover. He might be able to make it back in time for the season opener, but he would not be 100 percent. Branch has been a relative bust since the Seahawks traded a first-round pick to New England for the receiver in September 2006. He has missed seven games, including five this year, and has yet to become a reliable main target for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

With Branch out of commission, Bobby Engram will be counted on big time again at age 35, and Nate Burleson will take on a bigger role if the Hawks cannot re-sign D.J. Hackett.

Fantasy Football Impact: Engram had a career year in 2007 (94 catches, 1,147 yards, six touchdowns -- all career bests) and just might repeat those numbers next season. If Hackett re-signs and manages to stay healthy (a long shot), he has the skill to become a Pro Bowl (and therefore top-flight fantasy) receiver. But re-signing him and keeping him healthy are both big IFs. If he is not back, Burleson's fantasy stock should rise. There also are some young guys, like Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor.
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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding, ...
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