So now the question becomes where the Patriots go from here, as this situation is precisely why Belichick stocked up on tight ends in the offseason. If you're going to emphasize the position as much as the Patriots have, depth is critical...If Fells and Hoomanawanui don't take on larger roles, look for more of the three-receiver attack we saw in Sunday's loss.
Veteran free agent Lloyd, through two games, is the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver. He played every snap against the Cardinals and 57 of 67 against the Titans, and has been targeted a team-high 21 times (13 receptions). The numbers suggest that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is committed to seeing Lloyd, who has followed him from Denver and St. Louis, become the biggest part of the receiving corps.
The Patriots could reach out to veteran Deion Branch, who is open to returning, for more receiver depth. Veterans Jabar Gaffney and Donte' Stallworth, who also were with the team in training camp, are available too.
Whatever they decide, Welker's declining role in the offense -- which comes after an offseason in which he couldn't come to a long-term contract with the Patriots and is now playing under the $9.5 million franchise tag -- bears watching.
"He's a phenomenal player and when he makes plays, it really sparks our whole offense and he made a bunch of them [Sunday]," quarterback Tom Brady said after Welker caught five passes for 95 yards. (Edelman had five catches for 50 yards.)
That's what made Welker's reduced playing time, for the second week in a row, stand out.
While Hernandez was forced off the field due to injury, Welker was kept on the sidelines at times due to a coach's decision -- two significant developments that headlined the Patriots' disappointing home-opening loss.
