Patriots Special Teams Legend Matthew Slater Missed Thursday's Game for Birth of Child
By Scott Rogust
A familiar face was absent on the field and sidelines for the New England Patriots this past week, and now, we know the reason why.
Patriots special teamer Matthew Slater missed Thursday's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers for the birth of his third child, a baby boy.
Matthew Slater missed Thursday night's game for the birth of his third child, a baby boy. Slater's third child, second son.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 25, 2019
This isn't the first time Slater missed preseason action, as he was held out of their opening game against the Detroit Lions.
Given the amount of brutal injuries suffered in the preseason, missing a game isn't the end of the world for a player whose spot is set in stone, like Slater. Thank goodness this was the reasoning behind it!
With the preseason finale taking place this upcoming week, don't expect many starters like Slater to play, as it's more of an opportunity for second and third-string players to make an impression for a 53-man roster spot.
Full list of Patriots players not in uniform during warmups:
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 22, 2019
Cameron Meredith
N'Keal Harry
Josh Gordon
Braxton Berrios
Matthew Slater
Obi Melifonwu
Patrick Chung
Trent Harris
Martez Ivey
Yodny Cajuste
Maurice Harris
Matt LaCosse
Shilique Calhoun
Derek Rivers
Slater is entering his 12th season in the NFL (and with the Patriots), and it's been quite the accomplished career for the former UCLA wide receiver. In that lengthy tenure, Slater has won three Super Bowls and made the Pro Bowl seven times as a special teamer.
Congratulations to the Slater family on their newest addition!