Report: Patriots TE Matt LaCosse dealing with sprained ankle
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Monday brought a sigh of relief for anyone concerned about the Patriots’ tight end depth.
Matt LaCosse left the Pats’ 31-3 preseason win over the Lions last Thursday with an undisclosed injury. According to #Patriots tight end Matt LaCosse has been diagnosed with a sprained ankle and, per league source, will not play against the Titans on Saturday.
It’s a positive report for the Pats and their already-uncertain tight end situation, however. LaCosse looked like the projected starter prior to the injury and the team’s best combination of pass-catching and blocking, at least for the start of the season while Ben Watson serves a four-game suspension.
Jun 5, 2019; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots tight end Matt LaCosse during mandatory minicamp at the Gillette Stadium practice field. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)
After LaCosse and Watson, the Patriots are looking at Ryan Izzo, Stephen Anderson, Andrew Beck, and the newly acquired Eric Saubert. The latter is likely a special teamer at best. Izzo and Beck are better blockers than receivers, while Anderson is the opposite.
In addition to LaCosse, there’s a positive report on first-round receiver N’Keal Harry. Days after a report from Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald that Harry’s injury is not believed to be serious, WR N’Keal Harry not on the practice field this morning. Source close to Harry assures me he is OK, and is dealing with something “very minor. ...He will be fine.” #Patriots
It certainly didn’t look or feel OK after Harry and LaCosse had to leave Thursday’s game and missed the following practice. But now it sounds like they’ll at least be ready for the start of the season, if not sooner.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
