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Deion Branch hopeful he’ll play Saturday

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December 23, 2011|By Julian Benbow

FOXBOROUGH -- After missing last week’s game because of a sore groin, Patriots receiver Deion Branch said he was feeling better, and doing everything he can to play Saturday against the Dolphins.

“One day at a time,’’ the receiver said. “I think I’ve got to go out there and show coach a little more than what I showed him last week and hopefully I’ll get the nod that I can go.

“My job is to go out, practice as hard as I can, and show them what I can do. If he likes it, then good, if he don’t then I won’t be playing.’’

Branch is disappointed with his numbers this season (48 catches, 665 yards, and 4 touchdowns), but said they take a back seat to the team’s 11-3 record.

“My numbers aren’t what I would want them to be. But at the same time, we have these young guys playing hard, playing great,’’ he said.

“Over here, you have to put your ego to the side and the most important thing is to get the victory and not worrying about my numbers.’’