Without Josh Gordon, here’s who the Patriots have at wide receiver
The depth chart will once again be tested.
The news that Josh Gordon was “stepping away from football” was first and foremost a story about the 27-year-old’s mental health. And, as has been said, Gordon’s wellbeing is taking the lead over football concerns.
Yet the Patriots will need to replace Gordon’s spot. Doing so will require other players already on the roster to step up, as any new addition would take time to adapt (and the trade deadline has long since passed).
Fans have been searching around for who else the Patriots have behind Gordon.
You know what they say, next man trending. pic.twitter.com/oQ27IMpkgR
— Nora Princiotti (@NoraPrinciotti) December 20, 2018
Here’s a look at the rest of the wide receiver depth chart without Gordon:
Julian Edelman: Edelman has started all 10 games since returning from suspension, catching 63 passes for 711 yards and four touchdowns.
Chris Hogan: He’s seen his role decline after the Gordon trade, but he could return to starting duties now. Hogan has 29 catches so far for 468 yards and three touchdowns.
Cordarrelle Patterson: When the Patriots were short on running backs, Patterson successfully stepped up to fill the void. Now he could see an uptick in playing time at wide receiver. On the season, he has 20 catches for 244 yards and three touchdowns.
Phillip Dorsett: After drawing seven targets in each of the first two games of the season, Dorsett saw his role diminished. Like Hogan, he could now see a reemergence in the offense. He’s hauled in 27 passes in 14 games for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
Matthew Slater: Though he’s listed with the wide receivers, Slater remains focused as ever on his special teams duties.
