Patriots' Branch Out for Steelers Game

PITTSBURGH (AP) _ New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch will not play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a knee injury. <br/><br/>Branch, who was listed as doubtful for this weekend,

Saturday, October 30th 2004, 9:03 pm

By: News On 6

PITTSBURGH (AP) _ New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch will not play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a knee injury.

Branch, who was listed as doubtful for this weekend, has not played since he was injured in Week 2. He led the Patriots with 57 catches last season, but has just eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown this year.

Team spokesman Stacey James said offensive tackle Tom Ashworth (back), fullback Patrick Pass (eye) and cornerback Tyrone Poole (knee) _ all listed as questionable _ also will not play Sunday.

The Patriots have won 21 consecutive games, including an NFL-record 18 straight in the regular season.