Patriots have until 4:00 pm to activate WR Malcolm Mitchell against the Jets

The Patriots used their second IR/return slot for receiver Malcolm Mitchell. Mitchell last season caught 32 passes for 401 yards and 4 TDs last season prior to a six-catch, 70-yard performance in the Super Bowl. Mitchell has missed most of the season with a knee injury suffered in the Patriots preseason game against the Houston Texans when he got hit in the side of the knee. The deadline to activate Mitchell for the game against the Jets is 4:00 pm EST today.

Mitchell has good history against the Jets, with 8 catches on 12 targets for 63 yards and 2 TDs. The Patriots are banged up at receiver with Chris Hogan questionable for the game with a shoulder injury and ineffective since Week 8 against the Chargers. The team added Kenny Britt a couple weeks ago, but there’s a better chance Brady will actually look towards Mitchell on his reads as opposed to Britt. With the Patriots already having a bye on Wild Card weekend, if the Patriots choose not to activate the 2nd year receiver then the next possible game will be the divisional round game two weeks later.

Reports should come in around the deadline whether or not Mitchell will be activated and dressed for the Jets game. Stay tuned for updates.