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More on downgraded players

Email|Link|Comments (3) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 13, 2008 07:23 PM

A bit more on the Patriots downgrading TE Benjamin Watson, WR Sam Aiken and LB Eric Alexander, and what it could mean for others on the roster:

With Watson out for the second straight week, the Patriots only have two pure tight ends available -- David Thomas and Stephen Spach. Watson is the team's top tight end on the depth chart. The team can use linebacker Mike Vrabel as a tight end at the goal-line, or could call on a reserve offensive lineman -- such as Mark LeVoir -- if it needs a "jumbo" package with three tight ends.

With Aiken out for the second straight week, the Patriots are without a core special teams player. Safety Ray Ventone is likely to once again assume some of Aiken's duties, which includes being the personal protector on the punt team.

With Alexander out, the Patriots are without a reserve inside linebacker and core member of their special teams units. Rookie Gary Guyton could assume some of Alexander's special teams duties. Defensively, Guyton played ahead of Alexander at inside linebacker last week. This could open a spot for rookie linebacker Shawn Crable, who was inactive last week.

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3 comments so far...

I feel way better with Guyton out there anyway. He was one of my guys in this draft, and I was shocked to see that no one picked him up. His speed and athleticism are off the charts, and when he moved into a starting role at Georgia Tech, he showed excellent instincts and tackling ability as a linebacker. He's for real, and he could be playing next to Mayo for years to come.

Posted by Richter September 13, 08 08:19 PM

Agree with the Guyton comments and am excited to see Shawn Crable and hope he can get a couple of downs to see what he can do against first team players.

Posted by NJ Patriot September 13, 08 10:16 PM

Levoir did play TE...in High School. He was a terror back then as a 6'7" 300 TE, but that was a long time ago.

Posted by HiltonAC September 14, 08 10:37 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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