The New England Patriots weren’t about to go into Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets with only one healthy wide receiver.
The Patriots promoted rookie wideout Chris Harper from their practice squad, the team announced Saturday, and officially waived receiver Leonard Hankerson to make roster room.
Harper has played in three games with the Patriots this season and has yet to record an NFL reception, but he lost a muffed punt in a Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. He has three punt returns for 17 yards.
Harper began the season on the Patriots’ 53-man roster and was waived Sept. 15. He was re-signed to the active roster Nov. 17 and waived again Nov. 30, one day after fumbling against the Broncos.
Harper was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent this offseason after going undrafted out of California.
Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is doubtful to play against the Jets with his foot injury. Danny Amendola, who’s dealing with a knee injury, also isn’t expected to play, a source told The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin. Receiver Brandon LaFell is questionable with a foot injury, leaving Harper and Keshawn Martin as the team’s only fully healthy wideouts.
UPDATE (11:02 p.m. ET): Edelman and Amendola officially were ruled out against the Jets with their injuries.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
