Reports: Donte Stallworth Signs With Patriots
BOSTON (CBS) -- Already without Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots could ill afford losing Julian Edelman to injury Sunday afternoon in Miami. Looking for reinforcements, the Patriots are turning to a familiar face.
According to the Boston Herald and ESPN.com, veteran wideout Donte Stallworth has signed with the Patriots.
Stallworth, 32, was cut by the Patriots along with Jabar Gaffney in a somewhat surprising move in late August. He caught five passes for 61 yards in the three games he played for New England before being cut.
Stallworth reportedly worked out for the Dolphins and Bills in late August and September, respectively, but no team offered him a contract. He worked out for the Patriots last week.
Edelman was injured Sunday against the Dolphins, and he was spotted leaving the locker room wearing a walking boot and using crutches. The extent of his injury is unknown, but with the Patriots facing two of the top six defenses over the next two weeks, the Patriots can't afford to enter either game shorthanded. Edelman has 21 receptions for 235 yards and three touchdowns this season at receiver, and he also ranks second in the NFL with a 15.5-yard average on punt returns. That role may go to Wes Welker during Edelman's absence, as they are the only two players on the roster to return punts this season.