Why doesn't Wes return punts full time?

[Patsman]

The guy is clearly are deadliest guy on the returns - I just don't remember using him all that much with the exception of the Dallas game, where he was huge. Last week, I saw Troy take one off the head for a fumble and we see KFaulk in there a lot as well.

Are we saving him? I know a guy like Wes has monster value on offense and as a return guy, you're basically a moving target for a huge hit - think we'll be seeing him do most of the returning come playoff time?

 

[jbb9s]

The guy is clearly are deadliest guy on the returns - I just don't remember using him all that much with the exception of the Dallas game, where he was huge. Last week, I saw Troy take one off the head for a fumble and we see KFaulk in there a lot as well.

Are we saving him? I know a guy like Wes has monster value on offense and as a return guy, you're basically a moving target for a huge hit - think we'll be seeing him do most of the returning come playoff time?

In bad conditions, they like Faulk to fair catch - I think he has a good record of doing that without fumbles........in return situations, I agree - we need some explosion out there.

 

[DaBruinz]

The guy is clearly are deadliest guy on the returns - I just don't remember using him all that much with the exception of the Dallas game, where he was huge. Last week, I saw Troy take one off the head for a fumble and we see KFaulk in there a lot as well.

Are we saving him? I know a guy like Wes has monster value on offense and as a return guy, you're basically a moving target for a huge hit - think we'll be seeing him do most of the returning come playoff time?

You'd have to ask Bill Belichick that question to get the real answer.

I don't know if I can actually make an educated guess as to why Welker isn't the full time punt returner..

 

[Oswlek]

You will get your answer in the playoffs.

His workload has reduced as the season progressed to lessen his wear and tear.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Bill was asked about the sub-in returners a few weeks ago and he made it clear he was trying to give Wes and Ellis a break because of what they were being asked to do as starters - both are on the field for most snaps and you don't want them wearing down or getting digned up NEEDLESSLY down the stretch when we are doing fine and things like the Division and HFA and even HFA throughout are locked up. I'd imagine we will see more of them doing double duty in the playoffs - unless we don't need to. Nobody's looked better so far although absent the doink he would trust Troy on playoff returns more than a rookie who also already had some miscues. Who knows if either Troy or CJ will be active in playoff games - that will likely be a game time decision predicated on everyone else's health and how game planning and opponents and practices go.

 

[Sam Malone]

You will get your answer in the playoffs.

His workload has reduced as the season progressed to lessen his wear and tear.

Exactly. He was taking a pretty bad beating earlier in the year.

 

[JoeSixPat]

The guy is clearly are deadliest guy on the returns - I just don't remember using him all that much with the exception of the Dallas game, where he was huge. Last week, I saw Troy take one off the head for a fumble and we see KFaulk in there a lot as well.

Are we saving him? I know a guy like Wes has monster value on offense and as a return guy, you're basically a moving target for a huge hit - think we'll be seeing him do most of the returning come playoff time?

Ask yourself why Tom Brady isn't involved in punt returns full time either and I think you'll have your answer.

 

[Joker]

Welker will return in the playoffs

that's a Fort Knox

 

[ShrewBeer]

faulk does the fair catches, welker does the returns, and brown is in there for sentiment

 

[Fencer]

brown is in there for sentiment

And for practice in case the guys ahead of him get dinged up.

 

[MRBLAZE]

Welker will return in the playoffs

that's a Fort Knox

Until we start seeing balls come crashing down into his face mask, he will be our stud returner. They let him get some rest and rotated some guys in there just to get some practice in live game.

 

[PatsWorldChamps]

to answer the original question, because he's busy breaking the Pats all time record for receptions, actually.