Patriots Call Upon Intriguing Defender Again In Elevation Move Vs. Jets
Ochaun Mathis is getting comfortable shuttling from the New England Patriots practice squad to the team’s active roster.
The Patriots on Saturday elevated the linebacker and special teamer from the practice squad for the second straight week ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
It’s Mathis’ third elevation already this season. Per NFL rules, if the Patriots want to call up the 25-year-old again, they will have to sign him to the 53-man roster.
Mathis primarily played on special teams during his two appearances this season, which came last week in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars and in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Mathis played 22 snaps combined on special teams while registering just one defensive snap. He did make a solo tackle on that one defensive play.
Perhaps Mathis, who suited up in eight games for the Los Angeles Rams last season, will find more playing time given New England’s thin and underperforming linebacker group. Raekwon McMillan and Sione Takitaki are questionable for the contest against the Jets while Christian Elliss and Jahlani Tavai haven’t inspired much confidence in their play with the Patriots getting gashed on the ground in recent weeks.
Mathis, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, is a much bigger body than Elliss (6-foot-2, 231 pounds) and presumably could help shore up New England’s run defense. The Patriots have allowed 185.3 yards per game over the last three contests.
Elevating Mathis wasn’t the only move the Patriots made Saturday. They added Kyle Dugger to the injury report with an ankle injury and the defensive captain is listed as questionable to play against the Jets.