Patriots gridiron news: Why it’s time to pay attention to Devin Lucien

With injuries mounting at the wide receiver position, Devin Lucien could find himself on the New England Patriots 53-man roster when it’s all said and done.

The New England Patriots preseason has become all about stories.  For four weeks in the month of August, roster spots are won and lost.  No one has a greater chance to earn a roster spot due to the current situation at the position than wide receiver Devin Lucien.

In the team’s 26-17 victory over the Washington Redskins last Thursday night, Lucien was the receiver who stood out leading the team with four catches for 71 yards.  He could just be this year’s Austin Carr or Brian Tyms, except the fact the team is suddenly lacking depth and consistency at the position.

While the team leaning on players Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, Phillip Dorsett and Eric Decker to emerge as top targets, a player like Lucien is someone to pay attention to because he has been in the system.  With the current injury to Dorsett, Lucien’s opportunity to finally stick with the team has increased.

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Though he hasn’t shown what he can do catching the ball from Tom Brady in a live game, he is taking advantage of the fresh start he has been given with the team.

"“I think that was one of the great things about coming back with having a fresh start,” Lucien told the media Monday.  “That was one of the things I really wanted to build upon when I got here was not being known as a practice squad guy but possibly being known as a guy who could possibly make the team.  I’m just trying to take it day by day.  Whatever happens is going to happen.  I’m just trying to be as happy as I can while I’m enjoying this.”"

This could be an entirely different conversation this time next week, but Devin Lucien has played his way into the mix in the battle to jump onto the New England Patriots wide receiver depth chart.

Phillip Dorsett hurt in practice

Already thin at the position, the Patriots received a scare on Tuesday when wide receiver Phillip Dorsett went down late in practice with an apparent injury.

After initially being helped off the field by staffers and into the blue medical tent, Dorsett made his way back onto the practice field sidelines and took some reps from an equipment assistant.

With how the day ended for Dorsett, the injury doesn’t appear serious, but one to keep an eye on given how thin the team is at the position.

Speaking to the media following practice, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was asked about the fourth-year receiver’s injury and the opportunity he has in the team’s offense heading into the 2018 season.

"“You never like to see it and everyone wanted to go over to see how he was doing because he’s been doing so well in the spring and in training camp,” Brady said, via NBC Sports Boston.  “Hopefully he’s OK.  I certainly hope he is.  He has a great opportunity ahead of him.  I hope he takes advantage of it.”"

With Julian Edelman out the first four games of the season serving a PED suspension, the Patriots are relying on Dorsett to take a major step forward this season.  If he is slowed by injury, the team will be looking for another player to emerge as a reliable target.  Maybe that player is Devin Lucien.