Re-setting Patriots depth chart at WR without Edelman, Harry
The Patriots' scuffling offense could be without its top two wide receivers Sunday against the Bills, with Julian Edelman set to miss time after a precautionary knee surgery and N'Keal Harry dealing with the after-effects of a concussion.So what wideouts are left for Cam Newton to throw to? Let's reset the very shallow depth chart.
2020 stats: 18 receptions (28 targets), 233 yards, 0 TD
Career stats: 62 receptions (94 targets), 721 yards, 3 TD
Signed this offseason to be the Patriots' third receiver, Byrd will likely see himself as New England's No. 1 wideout against the Bills, assuming N'Keal Harry won't be able to return from his concussion in time. Not exactly an ideal situation, considering no New England skill position player has played as many snaps as Byrd this season (360, 92.5 percent of the team's total) and has a grand total of 18 catches.
He's also the lowest-rated wide receiver on the Patriots roster this season, according to Pro Football Focus, which gives him a grade of 58.5.
2020 stats: 5 receptions (7 targets), 67 yards, 0 TD; 1 rush, 2 yards
Career stats: 31 receptions (48 targets), 426 yards, 0 TD
Perhaps Meyers will take advantage of the extra snaps he's certain to see on Sunday -- something he did in Week 7 after Harry exited with a head injury. The 23-year-old saw about twice as many snaps last week as he had in the rest of this season's games combined, finishing with four receptions for 60 yards. Each of his catches went for first downs -- and two went for 20-plus yards.
"I just want them to know that I'm a trustworthy guy," Meyers said after the game. "No matter how many reps I get in practice, how many reps I get in the game, that I'm always paying attention, I'm always locked in. If they need me to go in for somebody, they can count on me.”
2020/career stats: 1 receptions (1 target), 16 yards, 0 TD; 2 rush, 21 yards
Zuber has been elevated from the practice squad for three games this season, but has only played 20 offensive snaps over those contests.
He has been deployed in creative ways by Josh McDaniels, who has called for the undrafted rookie to run a pair of jet sweeps against the Raiders and Chiefs. Zuber also had a 16-yard reception against the Broncos in Week 6.
2020 stats: 1 reception (1 target), 11 yards, 0 TD
Career stats: 3 receptions (5 targets), 45 yards, 0 TD
Since coming off injured reserve earlier this season, Olszewski has made his mark on special teams, taking over as the team's kickoff return specialist. He ranks sixth in the league with a 25.8-yard average on his nine kickoff returns. However, he's only seen the field for 10 offensive snaps in those three games.
Career stats: 1 reception (8 targets), 46 yards, 1 TD
We're including the Patriots' special teams ace here because he's technically a wide receiver, but don't expect him to become an offensive star with Edelman and Harry out.
Slater's one and only reception of his 13-year NFL career might have been a 46-yard touchdown strike from Tom Brady... but that happened nine years ago.
Career stats: 0 NFL games
Originally signed by the Titans in May, Kinsey could be elevated from the practice squad if the Patriots are digging deep for help at the wide receiver position. He has spent two stints on the New England p-squad this season -- and though he has never played in an NFL game, he was a star at Division III Berry College in Georgia.
Career stats: 0 NFL games
Wilkerson has a lot of similarities to Kinsey. Both players were undrafted free agents who originally signed with Tennessee this spring, only to join the Patriots after getting released by the Titans. The 6-foot-1 Wilkerson set multiple school records at Southeast Missouri State.
