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4 Ripple effects of Michael Williams being placed on injured reserve

By Connor Fulton

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Michael Williams (85) is tackled by New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Michael Williams (85) is tackled by New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clay Harbor Patriots
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is congratulated by tight end Clay Harbor (86) as he scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Clay Harbor and A.J. Derby lead the way for the third tight end spot.

Before the untimely injury to Williams, it looked like Harbor and Derby were going to have to duke it out for a No. 4 tight end spot that might not even be available at the end of training camp. Now, it’s pretty much an open race for a guaranteed job, the No. 3 role behind Gronk and Bennett.

Harbor and Derby certainly look to be the favorites for the gig.

3 sources of worry on Patriots roster

Harbor brings six years of NFL experience; the former Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end has accumulated 111 receptions, 1,151 yards and eight touchdowns over the course of his playing days.

On the other hand, Derby has yet to catch a pass in an NFL game, but it should be noted that he has a year of experience in the Patriots’ facility having spent his rookie season in New England as a reserve. That’s one more year than Harbor, as well as the two guys in the next slide…

Next: 1. Better chances of an undrafted rookie making roster

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