By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots have ruled yet another tight end out for Monday’s road game against the New York Jets, downgrading rookie TE Dalton Keene with a knee injury.
They are down to just Ryan Izzo on the tight end depth chart. Izzo was also on the injury report this week, though, and was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Rookies Devin Asiasi and Jake Burt (practice squad) are both on injured reserve.
Additionally, there’s an outside chance that undrafted rookie Rashod Berry gets the call-up off the practice squad to play tight end in an emergency capacity. Berry played tight end and defensive end at Ohio State, but has been practicing almost exclusively as a defensive end for the Patriots.
With Dalton Keene ruled out against the Jets, the Patriots are close to having zero active tight ends. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Keene made his NFL debut in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, but has dealt with multiple injuries as a rookie. He started the season missing time with a neck issue, and his knee problem has slowed his progress toward meaningful NFL snaps in recent weeks.
MORE: Patriots could end up with literally zero tight ends vs Jets
Even if Izzo is active Monday night, it’s unlikely he could play an every-down kind of role with the hamstring. There’s a good chance the Patriots play a season-high offensive snaps with zero tight ends on the field, which they did last week against the Bills.
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.
