 Donte' Stallworth rejoined the Patriots on Monday. (FILE:USPresswire) |
Well, it looks like Deion Branch isn't coming back after all.
The news of Julian Edelman caught everyone off guard at the end of Sunday's win over the Dolphins following the reports that he was spotted leaving on crutches and in a walking boot following his foot injury.
That left them with two holes, one at the receiver position, and one returning punts.
Many wondered if it would be Branch who would come back and take Edelman's place, but after working out with the team last week the Patriots elected to instead bring back Donte' Stallworth.
Stallworth battled through training camp and simply was one of the odd man out at the end and was let go during roster cutdowns.
During the preseason he was targeted 13 times with 5 catches for 61 yards. Looking closer he was targeted four times without a reception on first down, on second down he was targeted four times with one catch for 12 yards, but was targeted four times with three receptions for 39 yards on third down. He also had one catch for 10 yards on fourth down.
Whether or not he sticks this time remains to be seen. Branch's belongings are still reportedly in his locker and he was nursing a hamstring injury when he was released, so that door remains open. Now it's simply up to Stallworth to see if maybe he can close it and extend his time in Foxboro this time around.
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