Report: Ben Watson expected to fill open roster spot with Patriots

The writing was on the wall Thursday night.

The Patriots lost fullback Jakob Johnson (now on IR with a shoulder injury), tight end Matt LaCosse (knee) and wide receiver Josh Gordon (knee) during the Pats-Giants short-week matchup. Now a full two weeks after Ben Watson’s original planned return to the team from a four-game suspension, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates that the veteran tight end is expected to re-sign with the Patriots. Not a moment too soon.

Ben Watson spoke to WEEI five days ago, expressing his love for Tom Brady and his disappointment and sadness upon hearing of his release. Watson mentioned that he and his wife moved their whole family across the country when he signed with the Patriots - including his seven children, who are now enrolled in school in this area. Watson said he met with Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio, who informed him the reason behind the release was nothing more than the lack of a roster spot. The situation has since changed. With the fullback position completely empty and the tight ends also feeling the effects of injuries, the seemingly inevitable next step is for the team to give Ben Watson the callback he was hoping for.

This looks to be a positive signing all around. The team gets a productive, solid veteran player at a position of need, and Tom Brady gets another trusted pass catcher. The offense could use certainly use a boost and it would be terrific to have him rejoin the team and be on the field for the Patriots’ Week 7 Monday night game vs. the improved New York Jets.