The NFL is suspending New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch for four games, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Branch was suspended for violating the NFL’s drug policy after testing positive for marijuana and is appealing the ban, according to Schefter.

This is the second time Branch has been suspended this year. He was suspended by the Patriots for a week this summer for violating team rules.

Branch, 31, leads Patriots defensive tackles in snaps with 387 this season. He has 33 tackles and one sack this season while starting alongside fellow defensive tackle Malcom Brown.

Branch’s suspension will increase the workload for rookies Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton. The Patriots also could sign a free agent off the open market.

Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images