There was a mild surprise Sunday when the Patriots' inactives came out -- N'Keal Harry was a healthy scratch.
The third-year player was removed from the injury report on Friday, indicating he was good to go, but then didn't dress for the game. Instead, Kristian Wilkerson, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, got a spot on the game day roster with Nelson Agholor out with a concussion.
Speaking via videoconference Monday morning, Bill Belichick was asked about the decision.
“Wilk gave us some plays in the kicking game and offensively,” Belichick said. “He’s had a couple good weeks of practice and a good week this week. (We) felt like he had earned the opportunity, and he made a couple plays (Sunday) to help the team. It’s really kind of a week-to-week thing on who we activate and who’s at the game and who isn’t and so forth. … We’ll take it really day by day, but the decisions will be weekly.”
He added: “Kristian did a good job of preparing all year, as he has. Every week, he works hard in practice and has improved a lot, both offensively and in the kicking game, and he tried to take advantage of his opportunity (Sunday). That’s always a good thing — for players to get an opportunity and then be able to capitalize on it and show their teammates and the team that they can contribute. That’s kind of how it goes.”
Wilkerson played 60 offensive snaps, the most of any Patriots pass-catcher, and finished with four catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Following a performance like that it wouldn't be a surprise to see him active the rest of the season.
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