Keion

Crossen

Crossen was knocked from Week 10’s contest against the Browns and didn’t return to the game. Head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that a two-week recovery for Crossen would be “up in the air”. Whether or not Crossen will be able to play this week against the Texans wasn’t specified, but it seems like he’s trending on the wrong side to start the week.

Crossen is a linchpin special teamer providing depth on defense this season. He should be considered week to week.

Crossen is nominally a defensive back, but he earns his money on special teams. That is where he will make an impact in Miami.

He’ll reunite with head coach and former Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge, who had a hand in coaching Crossen on special teams as New England’s 2018 seventh-round pick. It’s the second time Crossen has been traded in as many years.

The Patriots didn’t have a spot for Crossen after he appeared in 11 games as a rookie. Crossen doesn’t play much on defense, but he’ll upgrade Houston’s special teams.

A two-year starter at Western Carolina, Crossen (5'10/173) compiled 67 tackles and seven pass breakups as a senior in 2017. Crossen is undersized but can run like the wind (4.40 forty) and has the versatility to line up both outside or in the slot. He’s also a skilled returner and should be able to carve a role on special teams right away.