Report: Kellen Winslow Will Play for Patriots Against Ravens on Sunday Night

by Jen Slothower on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 11:50AM

Tight end Kellen Winslow barely has his bags unpacked in New England, but he appears to be ready to suit up for the Patriots on Sunday night in their heavily anticipated matchup against the Ravens on NBC.

Winslow, who has practiced with the Patriots just twice, will be active for Sunday night's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

"He's a pretty experienced guy," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this week. "He's smart. He's played a lot of football. We'll see how it goes, but I think there's a chance that he could help us."

Winslow was signed to a one-year deal Tuesday. The Patriots also brought back wide receiver Deion Branch after standout tight end Aaron Hernandez hurt his ankle in the Patriots' Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Winslow said this week that he's been catching on to the Patriots' game plan and is in condition to play.

Winslow is in his eighth year in the NFL. He played four seasons in Cleveland and three in Tampa Bay, with his best year being a 1,106-yard season in 2007 when he had 82 catches and five receiving touchdowns. His career has been hampered recently by knee injury concerns.