RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Deion Branch will start for the Seahawks on Sunday against the New York Giants, eight months after the veteran receiver had reconstructive knee surgery.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Branch and Bobby Engram passed their tests of three consecutive practices this week.

Branch is a former Super Bowl MVP who tore a knee ligament in Seattle’s playoff loss at Green Bay.

in January. Engram set a Seahawks record with 94 receptions last season.

Running back Maurice Morris and receiver Koren Robinson are questionable to play Sunday. Both did not practice because of knee injuries.

A noticeably large gang of eight healthy receivers walked off the practice field, smiling. It was five more than the Seahawks had just a few weeks ago.

Two of the smiles belonged to Branch and Engram.

“I’m ready,” Branch said.

Engram, who set the team record with 94 receptions last season, hasn’t played since breaking his right shoulder in the first exhibition game on Aug. 8.

Their return makes quarterback Matt Hasselbeck smile, too.

“Bobby brings experience and calmness to our offense,” said Hasselbeck, who spent much of September at the bottom of the league’s passer rankings. “He is just a very steady guy and makes plays.”