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New England Patriots wide receiver Jordan Matthews was the only player not in attendance on Wednesday and he’s been unavailable since injuring his hamstring on Sunday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Matthews’ injury is deemed to be significant, while The Athletic’s Jeff Howe adds that the injury “could cost him a bit of time.”
One injury to watch: #Patriots WR Jordan Matthews suffered a hamstring injury that is deemed to be significant, source said. This would explain the continued interest in FA WR Eric Decker.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2018
Jordan Matthews’ hamstring injury could cost him a bit of time, per source. Hasn’t practiced since the injury Sunday.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 1, 2018
Matthews projected to be a part of a crowded wide receiver competition, but this injury greatly impacts his potential to make the roster. While fellow receivers Kenny Britt and Malcolm Mitchell have also been sidelined, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson have made their cases to be the #3 and #4 receivers behind Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan.
The Patriots have also worked out veteran wide receiver Eric Decker, who plays a very similar inside-outside role that Matthews expected to line up at in the New England offense.
Hopefully Matthews is able to make a speedy recovery, but he’s battled ankle and knee injuries over the past two seasons and has an uphill battle to compete for a roster spot.