The New England Patriots enter Week 11 on a quick turnaround following their sixth win in seven games. The next task comes in the form of a Thursday Night Showdown with the rival New York Jets, which the Patriots will likely have to play shorthanded after picking up a handful of injuries during Sunday's win.
Of their latest injuries, tight end Austin Hooper's is among the most noteworthy. The veteran pass-catcher is dealing with a concussion that he suffered over the weekend, and his outlook isn't promising after missing Tuesday's practice, according to Patriots reporter Evan Lazar. Thursday Night Football is right around the corner, and the last thing New England needs is to worsen Hooper's issue by rushing him back.
With that in mind, the Patriots will need other players to step up in Hooper's absence. Fortunately, a pair of versatile veterans seems ready to take on the pressure — a task that could make or break their future with the franchise.
Jack Westover, Khyiris Tonga's Futures Could Be Sealed During Austin Hooper's Absence
With Hooper potentially missing Week 11 and beyond, the Patriots could use this as an opportunity for fullback Jack Westover and Swiss Army Knife Khyiris Tonga to prove themselves to the front office and coaching staff.
New England converted Westover from TE to FB earlier in the offseason, so it's safe to say he's ready for the No. 2 spot behind Hunter Henry this week. He was a solid pass-catcher during his time with the Washington Huskies, amassing 77 catches for 775 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his final pair of seasons — the best two-year stretch of his collegiate career.
Although he's played 128 offensive snaps so far, Westover has been used mostly as a blocker. He's up to 57.9 run block and 78.8 pass protection grades from Pro Football Focus, and considering how Hooper is often deployed as a blocking presence, it wouldn't be surprising to see Westover in a similar role.
If that's the case, and Westover handles more TE snaps than usual, Tonga could be in line for more FB opportunities after posting a 78.4 PFF run block grade in Week 10. After all, head coach Mike Vrabel has been using the versatile defensive tackle more often in the backfield, as proven by his increasing usage:
Time Period | Offensive Snap Count |
|---|---|
Weeks 1-8 | 0 |
Week 9 | 1 |
Week 10 | 8 |
Tonga has been handling his job well, and it looks like he could be rewarded. According to Patriots on CLNS' Taylor Kyles on Tuesday, Vrabel is "all in favor of giving Tonga more opportunities and that the Patriots needed more size at the FB spot." Reading between the lines, it's clear that the 27-year-old's snap count could leap again on Thursday.
Westover, Tonga Must Capitalize on Patriots' Upcoming Stretch
It's always important for players to capitalize on any snaps they get, which is even more so the case for the Patriots duo. Westover and Tonga are both playing on expiring contracts, with the former being an exclusive rights free agent while the latter will be an unrestricted FA. If either wants to remain in New England, now is the perfect time to prove themselves to Vrabel & Co.
Positional versatility isn't necessary in the NFL, but it does help make a coach's job a lot easier. Tonga and Westover successfully stepping up, whether that's as an offensive option or in another area, would show Vrabel that he has two options he can rely on in various situations. Not having to scramble for help whenever FB/TE-related injuries arise would be a massive boost.
Westover and Tonga have been doing what's asked of them, and New England needs that to continue, even after Hooper returns. If they're up to the task, the pair could be mainstays in the Patriots' lineup for years to come.