Parsing through some of today's Patriots news, starting with the new player added to the quarterback room.
The Patriots signed former Browns and Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler
Kessler, 26, is a former third-round pick of the Browns. He's 2-10 as a starter, including 0-8 as a rookie with the Browns on the 1-15 2016 squad.
Why is he here?
A couple of reasons. If Tom Brady (calf) is going to continue to have limited reps in practice, Jarrett Stidham can't do everything — take first-team reps and run the scout team. Plus, he still has a lot to learn just in terms of the Patriots' playbook. Having Kessler here can take the scout team reps away from Stidham.
Kessler is a decent enough athlete that he can also give the Patriots a look at Josh Allen. The Bills' QB is taller and a little quicker, but it can certainly help. Kessler has been known as a scrambler in his career, like Allen.
With Ben Watson set to come off suspension after this game, this could be a short stint. But the Patriots don't even have a third QB on the practice squad, so this is an open audition if injuries strike the position — at the least.
I don't think Kessler has practice squad eligibility — it's weird he hasn't been on one yet and why wouldn't the Patriots just sign him there? — but it appears he has only one accrued season.
Thuney, Bennett, Burkhead among those added to the injury report
Wouldn't say this is a great injury report for the Patriots, but it's manageable.
- Thuney is a warrior and never comes off the field, so he'll be out there. You just hope it doesn't get worse.
- Anytime an aging veteran like Bennett has an ailment, you worry a little bit. Perhaps that's why his reps have been limited in games, and it finally rose to the point he needed to miss some practice time.
- Saw Burkhead go for x-rays after the game Sunday. Obviously those were negative, but with his injury history, it's a worry. He never can stay on the field.
- Good news that Cannon was a full go, and Edelman and Hightower were on the field.