Tyvon Branch suffered a fractured foot in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Branch suffered a fractured foot in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

For the second consecutive season, Branch will fall victim to a long-term injury, dimming the luster of the former top-tier IDP defensive back. Branch looked to be well on his way to reclaiming his DB1 upside with 29 total tackles and a sack in his first three games, but the fractured foot figures to keep him out multiple weeks, if not the remainder of the season. Jonathan Dowling looks like the top candidate to step into a starting role at safety, but the Raiders could choose to scan the free agent market for other options.