The New England Patriots don’t truly need reinforcements anymore after blowing out the Cincinnati Bengals last night in incredible fashion, but they could certainly use all the help they can get in order to avoid a letdown performance next week against the rival Buffalo Bills. We already know Brandon Browner will be back in the fold after being held out from yesterday’s game (the Patriots want him to get into full playing shape), and we now have confirmation that help at the wide receiver position will be joining him.
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According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brian Tyms will be activated by the Patriots ahead of this week’s game against the Bills, as both he and Browner are eligible to return from suspensions. Both players had to be activated or released by today, so this is solid confirmation that Tyms is indeed in the Patriots plans.
However, someone will have to be released in order to accommodate both players on the 53-man roster. Tyms is pretty much taking Kenbrell Thompkins’s spot, but nobody at any position is truly safe in New England. It will be interesting to see who clears the way for Tyms, who was definitely in the Patriots plans once he kept putting in strong performances in the preseason; he could be another big spark to add to Tim Wright and Brandon LaFell.
Some think it could be James White, while others think it could be Danny Amendola. White isn’t as valuable to the team, but he has more development upside, and the Patriots have more depth at WR than at RB.
I love the Patriots decision to activate Tyms, because the long speed and playmaking ability he flashed in the preseason could be a new, crucial wrinkle to the Patriots offense if all goes as planned. I have a soft spot for Amendola (still think he’s a good player and hope he stays), but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots decide to axe him instead of keeping seven wide receivers (technically six since Matthew Slater is a WR in name only, but you get the point).