David

Patten

Patten was 47. Patten won three Super Bowls with Tom Brady and the Patriots in the early 2000s. He drew compliments from teammates and coaches alike, including head coach Bill Belichick, who called Patten one of the hardest working players he had coached. In a Friday statement, Belichick said Patten “epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds” to reach the NFL. Patten’s career year came in 2004, when he went for 800 yards and seven touchdowns on 44 receptions. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent after a stint in the Arena League. In October 2001, Patten became the first player since 1979 to catch, run, and throw for a touchdown in the same game, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

This could have more to do with David Givens’ injuries than anything, but it’s a bad sign for Givens owners. It’s also a sign Deion Branch has created seperation with the rest of the group.

As usual, the Patriots don’t have any one receiver who looks like a regular fantasy starter, but will spread the ball around between five fairly similar guys.

Patten is expected to be in the hospital until Thursday but could be out longer. He’s competing for a roster spot in Washington.

He was hospitalized with meningitis but should practice next week.

At best, he’ll be fourth on the depth chart though. “I’ll tell you what, David Patten has looked good out there [in OTAs]. He’s making plays. He’ll get his opportunities,” Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said this week.

Signed to a five-year deal by Washington only a season ago, the former Patriot is a fourth receiver at best now.

He still shouldn’t be owned in any fantasy leagues.

New England didn’t disclose the info until now. He’s expected to be ready for week four, but has questionable fantasy value in New England’s crowded passing game.

Patten, who was at risk of being cut during training, started the game. Once Troy Brown returns, it’s hard to see Patten maintaining his fantasy value.