How Jerod Mayo Described Patriots Trade Candidate’s Healthy Scratch

Joshua Uche was a surprising scratch from the New England Patriots’ Sunday matchup with the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.

Uche was inactive in Week 8 after playing in New England’s first seven games of the season. It coincided with trade deadline rumors involving the Patriots pass rusher, who signed a one-year deal last offseason and is set to hit the open market in March.

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Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo deflected when asked if Uche’s designation had anything to do with the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

“It was just a healthy scratch,” Mayo told reporters Monday morning, per a team-provided video. “(We put) the best team out there that we think gives us the best chance to win.”

Uche primarily works as a situational pass-rusher, which is why he’s played 35% or more of defensive snaps in just two games this season. Uche recorded two sacks in seven games (one start) and is graded as New England’s fourth-best pass rusher, according to Pro Football Focus.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Uche is “floating” around the trade market.