New England Patriots News: Chris Hogan returns to practice
New England Patriots News: Wide receiver Chris Hogan returned to practice Wednesday for the first time in over a month.
New England Patriots news wasn’t positive to begin the week. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was suspended for his late hit against Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White on Sunday. Gronkowski received a one-game suspension and will miss the Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
The Patriots and Gronkowski are lucky that he was suspended only one game. It was a blatant cheap shot that resulted in White being placed in the league’s concussion protocol. Judging by the discipline that the NFL handed out this week to JuJu Smith-Schuster and George Iloka, Gronkowski is lucky to miss only one game.
While not having Gronkowski hurts, the Patriots could be getting some help at wide receiver. Wide receiver Chris Hogan was spotted at practice Wednesday, which means he could play this week against the Dolphins.
ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss shared a photo of Hogan at Patriots practice on his Twitter account.
Welcome back to practice, Chris Hogan (15). pic.twitter.com/psAuXIJBYz
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 6, 2017
Hogan’s return is something the Patriots and their fans have been anticipating for weeks. Hogan was last seen against the Los Angeles Chargers prior to the bye week in Week 8. He injured his shoulder in that game and has been sidelined since.
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The timing couldn’t be better for the Patriots. With Gronkowski suspended, the Patriots could use a boost to their receiving corps. Brandin Cooks will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. Having Hogan back on the field will help draw some attention away from him.
With Hogan potentially back in the lineup the Patriots can also dial back the usage of Danny Amendola. Amendola has fought through injuries for the Patriots in recent weeks, so getting Hogan back in the fold can help the Patriots limit his snaps.
Adding Hogan will also diversify the Patriots offensive playbook and scheme. If Hogan is healthy enough to play, Josh McDaniels could utilize four-receiver sets, something that hasn’t been possible in recent weeks. Only Cooks, Amendola and Phillip Dorsett have been healthy enough to suit up for the Patriots at wide receiver.
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Getting Hogan back this week will also allow him to knock off some of the rust. The Patriots need to be as close to 100 percent as they can in Week 15 when they head into what is essentially a winner take all matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.