The No. 81 is coming back to the New England Patriots.
CBS Boston’s Dan Roche reported Thursday morning that newly acquired tight end Tim Wright will wear No. 81 for the Patriots. Wright is expected to make his Patriots debut in Thursday night’s postseason finale against the New York Giants.
Assuming Wright makes the team, he’ll become the first Patriots player to wear that jersey number in the regular season since tight end Aaron Hernandez was cut after being arrested and charged with a 2013 murder. Wide receiver Wilson Van Hooser did wear the number before the team cut him earlier in the preseason.
Wright wore No. 81 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Patriots acquired him in exchange for guard Logan Mankins and a fourth-round draft pick.
Photo via Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports Images
