The signing of Jordan Matthews looked even better for the New England Patriots after it was announced that Julian Edelman has been suspended, but perhaps he is not the one who will be leaned on in Edelman’s four-game absence.
Even without Edelman, the Patriots are still quite deep at the receiver position. In his early projection of the 53-man roster, Andrew Callahan of MassLive.com predicts that Matthews will be among the receivers cut. The fact that Matthews has missed time recently with a hamstring issue isn’t helping his case.
Of all the positions to parse out, wide receiver is by far the one too early to call. Matthews, (Braxton) Berrios or (Riley) McCarron could still make a move. Maybe even (Malcolm) Mitchell — depending on his health — or (Devin) Lucien. (Paul) Turner just arrived, but impressed during his short time in Philadelphia. For now, Matthews’ hamstring pull and injury history puts him behind the group that above made the cut.
Matthew Slater, a captain and one of the best special teamers in football, occupies one of New England’s receiver spots. Cordarrelle Patterson is also considered a lock to return kicks, and Kenny Britt has impressed the coaching staff in his first full season with the Patriots. Edelman, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett are also likely to make the final roster.
Matthews could still make the final roster if he’s healthy and produces, but he’s certainly on the bubble. If he wants to convince the coaching staff he deserves a spot, he needs to establish chemistry with Tom Brady. That is usually the deciding factor for receivers in New England.
