The New England Patriots have made a major transaction last week by claiming recently released tight end Martellus Bennett of waivers. The veteran was let go by his former team, the Green Bay Packers, after allegedly failing to disclose an injury. Bennett was waived and subsequently reunited with the Patriots, the team that he played for in 2016.
Bennett joined New England on Thursday and quickly returned to practice despite his shoulder injury; he was listed as “questionable” on Friday's final injury report. According to a report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, however, the 30-year is expected to play tonight versus the Denver Broncos:
This story keeps getting more interesting. Source says there is a good chance Martellus Bennett plays tonight for the #Patriots. It’s the expectation. Three days on the roster & now on the field.
Upon rejoining the Patriots, Bennett immediately became the team's second-best receiving tight end behind Rob Gronkowski. And while it would still be a surprise to see Bennett play considerable snaps in this role, it is noteworthy that he apparently feels well enough – and New England's team doctors agree – to take the field tonight against a highly talented opponent.
If Rapoport's report turns out to be true will be seen when the Patriots release their inactives list 90 minutes before 8:30 pm ET's kickoff.