Benjamin Watson of the New England Patriots looks for yards after a second quarter catch while playing the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Patriots are going to be without Ben Watson for a fifth straight week, as the 38-year-old will not travel to Washington’s for the team’s Week 5 head-to-head against the Redskins, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Suspended for the first four weeks of the 2019 season due to a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, Watson’s absence for this next game can be explained by the fact that he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, and because the Patriots have yet to officially activate Watson to the team’s 53-man roster.
It’s a little surprising given how little the Patriots have gotten out of the tight end position — Ryan Izzo has totaled 44 yards on two catches (three targets) while Matt LaCosse has caught both of his targets for a total of 33 yards — through the first four weeks of the 2019 season.
The 6-foot-3 Watson, who spent the first six years of his NFL career (from 2004 through 2009), totaled 35 catches, 400 yards, and two touchdowns in 16 games with the Saints last season.
The Patriots have until Monday at 4 p.m. to activate Watson to their roster.