Patriots WR DeVante Parker Injury Status Revealed; Out Against Colts?
FOXBORO — New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker has apparently sidestepped serious injury.
Despite having left Sunday’s 22-17 victory over the New York Jets in the first quarter with a knee injury, Parker’s time away from the field will reportedly be minimal, at most.
Per a Monday morning report via NFL Network, Parker “suffered just a knee sprain” and “if forced to miss time, it’ll likely only be one game.”
Parker appeared to land awkwardly after an incompletion on a slant route on the Pats’ first offensive play of the Pats’ Week 8 victory. Despite briefly returning to the sideline while wearing his helmet, Parker eventually walked to the locker room for further evaluation. Initially designated as questionable to return, the 29-year old was later downgraded to out for the remainder of the game
The Louisville product has been one of the Pats more notable big-play threats in 2022. He had hauled in 15 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown, while averaging 21.4 yards-per-catch through the pats first seven games. He is ranked second on the team in yards and touchdowns, and tied for third in receptions.
At 6-3, 219-pounds, Parker is the type of receiver who can thrive in New England’s timing-based offense. He has the size and toughness to make contested catches, while giving quarterback Mac Jones a viable red zone target at the receiver position. Most notably, he is a true vertical presence on the perimeter, capable of winning his matchups both on the outside and downfield.
Losing a receiver of Parker’s caliber would create a problematic void for a Patriots offense which has struggled to date. In Parker’s absence, rookie Tyquan Thornton, as well as veteran Kendrick Bourne provided proper support to top receiver Jakobi Meyers in New England’s three-wide sets. All three saw the field for greater than 50 percent of the Pats offensive snaps against the Jets.
Parker’s potential status for the Patriots upcoming Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts may get some additional clarity on Wednesday, when the team releases its first injury report. Kickoff for the Pats and Colts is set for 1 p.m. Sundayfrom Gillette Stadium.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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