Austin Collie‘s first stint in New England lasted just four games. Maybe this go-around will last a little longer.
Collie has re-signed with the Patriots, the team announced Thursday. He was originally signed by the team on Oct. 3, integrating into the offense rather quickly, but the Patriots released the oft-injured receiver after he hurt his knee during the first half against the Steelers in Week 9.
Before coming to New England earlier this season, Collie spent four years with the Indianapolis Colts. He caught 173 passes for 1,845 yards and 16 touchdowns in 42 career games with Indy. However, his impressive career with the Colts was overshadowed by a long list of injuries, including a severe concussion that forced him to miss 15 games with the team last season.
With Aaron Dobson still on the mend from a lingering foot injury, which has kept him out the last two weeks, and Kenbrell Thompkins hampered by a hip injury in the second half against the Texans, the Patriots are likely looking to just add some depth to their receiving corps in the meantime. Collie’s knowledge of the system and rapport with Brady from earlier this season made him an easy choice.
Collie, 28, played well in his initial stint with the Patriots, catching three passes for 34 yards, including a few crucial grabs in the last-minute comeback against the Saints in Week 6.
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