Patriots bring 2 players in for free agency workouts

The New England Patriots hosted two players for free agent workouts on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, with LB Darnell Sankey (Sacramento State) and WR R.J. Shelton (Michigan State) making their case to either make the team or to be on the Patriots short list.

The 6’1, 250 pound Sankey was undrafted in 2016 and spent time with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Indianapolis Colts. He spent time on the Colts practice squad before he was elevated to the active roster in 2017 for 6 games, but did not record a tackle. He played 100 snaps on special teams.

The 5’10, 200 pound Shelton signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a receiver and returnman. Shelton graduated from Michigan State where he was the kick returner for four seasons and ranked second in school history in kick return yards. He fractured his foot in the preseason and was injured/waived. New England was likely checking out his health.

The Patriots didn’t sign either player, but they should be added to the short list if there are any injuries over the coming weeks.