Terrell Owens understands that his best chance to play in the NFL this season is by way of injury. As teams begin to lose weapons on offense, they grow more desperate as to who they are willing to sign for help. Owens has been waiting in the wings hoping someone calls his phone. As the New England Patriots struggle at the wide receiver position, the veteran is hoping the team considers him a strong option.
New England is preparing to be without their top target, Danny Amendola, for an uncertain amount of time. The receiver is struggling with hip and hernia issues that could keep him out of the lineup for an extended period of time while he attempting to avoid surgery. That leaves the Patriots with Julian Edelman who leads the team in catches right now. Behind him is Aaron Dobson and slew of unproven talent. New England has been suffering with the lack of inexperience on offense and Owens thinks he is the perfect option.
"Obviously the situation with the Patriots, they are starting out with a lot of new guys," Owens said, via the Boston Globe. "You never know how management is thinking, what their process is as far as bringing in veterans. I understand they may look at my age as an issue but I'm not your average 39-year-old. I think if you watch me work out, I'm not really concerned about injuries or anything like that. Plus, I'll be getting paid the vet minimum, so it's not like I am asking for any extra incentive in my contract."
Owens does have a great point. He has been working out throughout his time off the field. He has proven he can stay healthy for an entire season despite his age. The Patriots could sign him for essentially no money. The issue continues to be that the Patriots took a chance on a receiver like that before with Chad Ochocinco and things did not work out. Owens hates the fact that people cannot put the past behind them when thinking about him.
"I think it's the reputation of the things I've done in the past," Owens said. "People won't let my mistakes die. It's just puzzling for me. I'm just keeping my faith, staying patient, and praying I get another opportunity."
Fans should not look past the fact that throughout the offseason, Owens was spotted working out with quarterback Tom Brady out in California. The workout was downplayed at the time, but as Brady grows more desperate for pass catchers he could easily bring that up to head coach Bill Belichick.
In Owen's last season in the league back in 2010, he put up 983 yards on 72 passes and recorded nine touchdowns. The Patriots would gladly take half of those numbers at this point.