The New England Patriots are dealing with a number of injuries on offense and despite the fact that the team is 4-0 this season, head coach Bill Belichick has brought in some reserves for Tom Brady, signing Austin Collie to a deal to help with the injuries to Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski.
The monster tight end was expected to return soon, but he likely will be out another week and with Amendola as well as rookies Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson dealing with injuries, the team decided to bring in Collie. According to ESPN.com, sources said that the Pats signed Collie to a deal after he previously was with the 49ers in camp and he could have a starring role on Sunday along with Julian Edelman as the team tries to wait out the other injuries.
Bill Belichick had both Thompkins and Dobson on the injury report with shoulder and neck issues, making it imperative that the Patriots bring someone else in just in case one or both of those receivers can't play Sunday. The rookies have been playing better in the offense with Tom Brady, but having a veteran like Collie could open things up for Brady. While Collie has dealt with concussion issues in the past, he is a good possession receiver and the last time he was healthy he made 54 catches for 514 yards while he was with the Colts.
Amendola has only played in one game with the team this season and while he might play against the Bengals, the team isn't taking any chances. In the opening game against the Bills he had 10 catches on 14 targets for 104 yards, but after injuring his groin he has not been able to get back on the field. Gronkowski's return is also coming and the team greatly needs his presence in the offense, as they are ranked 17th in passing yards per game.
Julian Edelman has been excellent stepping up, making 34 catches this season for over 300 yards with two touchdowns, while Thompkins is second on the team with 15 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Thompkins has been solid as a deep threat, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch and now Collie will join the mix as well. The Patriots are playing the Bengals on the road next before hosting the New Orleans Saints in what could be a battle of undefeated teams and then the team has divisional games at the Jets and then home against Miami.