4 Patriots Including Benjamin Watson and Patrick Chung Inactive vs Redskins
By Ryan Flores
The New England Patriots are at a crossroads with tight end Benjamin Watson.
Watson was supposed to be a strong presence at tight end for the Patriots before his four-game suspension for failing a drug test at the end of May. His suspension is over, and Watson did practice on Thursday, but the Pats ultimately decided not to activate him or have him travel for the upcoming game against the Washington Redskins.
Patriots TE Benjamin Watson will not travel with the team to Washington and is out for the game tomorrow, per league source. He can be activated to the 53-man roster by Monday at 4 PM EST.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 5, 2019
The Patriots likely didn't feel as though Watson was ready to take the field, although more information on the situation should be provided as early as next week.
Per @FieldYates, Patriots TE Benjamin Watson will not travel with the team to Washington and is out for the game. Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo remain top TEs.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 5, 2019
The Patriots have struggled at the tight end position ever since Rob Gronkowski retired. They've yet to find a true starter at the position, with Matt LaCosse, Lance Kendricks and Ryan Izzo all struggling during their respective time at the position.
Watson has had a long career in the NFL and has proven to be a capable pass catcher with 530 career catches for 5,885 yards. Hopefully, the Patriots activate him by the deadline so that he can provide a significant upgrade to his position.
Along with Watson, the Patriots will be missing RB Rex Burkhead, along with DBs Patrick Chung and Nate Ebner, creating a substantial hole in New England's secondary.
Patriots’ RB Rex Burkhead, and DBs Patrick Chung and Nate Ebner, have been downgraded to our for Sunday’s game at Washington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2019
Fortunately for the Pats, they're facing the not-so daunting challenge of facing the likes of Case Keenum or rookie Dwayne Haskins. Something tells me Belichick will be prepared regardless of his personnel.