Patriots Rumors: Eric Decker struggling in training camp
Recent New England Patriots rumors involve wide receiver Eric Decker, who has reportedly been struggling with drops during camp.
New England Patriots rumors will be swirling for the next few weeks. As we inch closer to the regular season, roster moves will have to be made to cut the roster down to 53 players. One of the positions that people will be keeping a close eye on is at wide receiver.
The Patriots have a deep, talented group of wide receivers that have already been pared down this offseason. Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell have already been released as they dealt with injuries. Julian Edelman will serve a four-game suspension to begin the season.
Despite those subtractions, the Patriots will still have a number of decisions to make at the position. One player to keep tabs on is veteran Eric Decker.
Decker was signed following Matthew’s release. The veteran has been coveted in the past by New England and has experience working with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels from their time with the Denver Broncos.
Given his experience, especially in the slot, Decker would seem to be a logical fit for New England. With Edelman out the first four games, a veteran could be helpful. However, Decker hasn’t been building a good case to remain on the roster once the regular season rolls around.
According to Doug Kyed of NESN, Decker has been struggling during camp. On Monday alone he pushed off of Patrick Chung during one-on-one drills and then dropped the next target thrown his way.
WR Eric Decker is still having a pretty hard time in Patriots camp. He pushed off on Patrick Chung to make a catch in 1-on-1s and dropped his second target.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 13, 2018
Things progressed and did not get better for Decker. Kyed said that he would drop two more passes during a side session with the quarterbacks. He added that drops have been an issue for Decker throughout camp.
Decker dropped two more passes during a side session with the quarterbacks. Drops have been a major issue for Decker this summer.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 13, 2018
While the Patriots have had their eye on Decker in recent years, he will have to pick things up if he wants to remain on the roster. The Patriots have other players that can fill in for Edelman for four weeks if need be.
Chris Hogan, right now, seems to be the only player locked into a role at wide receiver. There is an opportunity for Decker to get into the field, he just has to make the most of them.
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According to Kyed, Decker did pick things up as practice as things went on. Hopefully, he can carry that positive performance over throughout the rest of training camp.