New England Patriots: Four Players To Watch Against Panthers

Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) runs back a kick off against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

2. Josh Boyce

After the NFL extended its practice squad from eight to 10 players, Boyce’s job status isn’t as shaky as it once was. But he is far from a lock.

Boyce has to take advantage of playing against a weak secondary tomorrow, and put on a show. In pretty much everybody’s mind, Boyce is on the outside looking in on the receiver depth chart, as Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, and Brandon LaFell are all ahead of Boyce. But Boyce has talent, and it would be tough to see the Patriots lose him. He is small, but is extremely explosive, and dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Now with that said, if the Patriots want to get Boyce on the practice squad, they are going to have to release him first, and hope he makes it through waivers. I personally don’t think he would make it through. He has the talent of a starting wideout in this league, and he would probably be snatched up fairly quickly. But we can still dream.