Patriots activate rookie linebacker from injured reserve, promote rookie receiver
It appears that the Patriots will have one of their rookie linebackers and top draft picks available for the first time this season against the Bills.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 23: Jakob Johnson #47 and Josh Uche #71 of the New England Patriots look on during training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 23, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images)
Steven Senne-Pool/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
It appears that the Patriots will have rookie linebacker Josh Uche available for the first time in his career against the Bills. The team announced on Saturday that Uche, along with special teams safety Cody Davis, have been activated from injured reserve.
As corresponding moves for Uche and Davis, the Patriots placed Julian Edelman and rookie offensive tackle Justin Herron on IR. Uche missed the first two games of the 2020 season before being placed on IR in Week 3.
The Patriots selected Uche with the 60th pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft in April. He has a chance to make his NFL debut on Sunday in a tough matchup against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills.
Photo courtesy of the New England PatriotsRookie linebacker Josh Uche could make his NFL debut for the Patriots on Sunday against the Bills. (Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots)
Saturday marked a flurry of roster moves for the Patriots. They also elevated undrafted rookie wide receiver Isaiah Zuber to the main roster from the practice squad, as well as defensive lineman Tashawn Bower, and signed defensive tackle Nick Thurman to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
The Pats used their second "standard elevation" on Zuber, meaning he can revert back to the practice squad only one more time without having to pass through waivers. Zuber has played in three games this season for the Patriots and totaled 37 yards on three touches.
In addition, the Patriots ruled cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Kyle Dugger out for Sunday's game.
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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
