The New England Patriots have added a veteran presence to their pack of newbie wide receivers.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Austin Collie signed a contract with the team, according to a source informed of the move. The Patriots later confirmed the deal. Terms of the contract were not announced.
Call it a patch. The Patriots listed no less than four pass-catchers on Wednesday's injury report. Danny Amendola (groin), Kenbrell Thompkins (shoulder), Aaron Dobson (neck) and Matthew Slater (wrist) were among the hobbled, leaving Tom Brady with less than a full house on offense.
We expect Amendola and Julian Edelman to play a major role Sunday, when New England takes on the Cincinnati Bengals. Collie has been anything but durable in recent seasons, missing 22 games with a string of concussions and a ruptured patellar tendon last season.
Collie spent part of training camp with the San Francisco 49ers, but they cut the 27-year-old in August. Collie's health reportedly was a factor in his release and he's no sure bet to contribute in New England.
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