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The New England Patriots roster is in bad shape by the middle of the season.
The 2-5 Patriots have already ruled out five players, including four starters, injured before their Week 9 game with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
We know running back JJ Taylor (illness), wide receiver N’Keal Harry (concussion), defensive tackle Lawrence Guy (elbow, shoulder, knee), linebacker Ja’Whaune Bentley (groin) and cornerback. Stephon Gilmore (knee) won’t play Monday night. Tight end Dalton Keene (knee) also did not travel to New York and was officially ruled out on Monday morning.
Here are three players who could take on bigger roles with injuries littered on the roster.
WR KRISTIAN WILKERSON
The undrafted rookie wide receiver was not officially raised from the practice squad, but made the trip to New York.
The Patriots only have three healthy receivers on their 53-man roster at Jakobi Meyers, Damiere Byrd and Gunner Olszewski. If Wilkerson is high, he would be the # 4 option on the wide receiver.
The 6-foot-1, 214-pound wide, which has yet to make its NFL debut, has elite agility and speed for its frame.
The FBS product has been extremely productive during its four year career in Southeast Missouri. Wilkerson won Practice Player of the Week honors with the Patriots, who had competition from several other teams when they signed him to their practice squad in September.
DT CARL DAVIS
The Patriots retired Davis from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on October 14. He missed several practices due to a concussion, but made it to New York.
Davis will share the role of defensive tackle with Adam Butler, Byron Cowart and Nick Thurman. At 6-5, 320 pounds, Davis is the Patriots tallest player on the defensive line.
The 28-year-old was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft outside Iowa. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts.
He has 32 career tackles in 36 games with 12 starts.
LB JOSH UCHE
Uche made his NFL debut last week, playing 12 shots while recording a quarterback hit and tackle.
He’s set to play a much bigger role this week with Bentley out. Either Uche or rookie Anfernee Jennings will leave in place of Bentley. The only other off-the-ball linebackers on the entire squad are special team rookie Cassh Maluia and practice squad options rookie Michael Pinckney and Terez Hall.
Uche is the Patriots’ most athletic linebacker. He was part of New England’s game plan as a situational pass passer in Week 8, but succeeded Bentley when the starting inside linebacker left the game and did not return with an injury to oldest boy.
The second-round pick could end his second career NFL game.
Thumbnail photo via Rich Barnes / USA TODAY Sports Images
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