Dalton

Keene

Keene last played in the NFL during the 2020 season, when he appeared in six contests and managed three receptions for 16 yards on five targets. The Texans continue their desire to collect tight ends.

Keene joins fellow 2020 third-round TE Devin Asiasi on the Patriots’ cut list today. Like Asiasi, Keene didn’t provide anything to New England in his short stay there, catching three passes for 16 yards as a rookie before missing all of 2021.

Keene needs knee surgery related to the meniscus issue he’s been dealing with this summer. Last year’s No. 101 overall pick only appeared in six games as a rookie, spending the latter part of the year on I.R. with a knee issue. His career isn’t off to a great start.

Keene’s rookie 2020 ended in early November after he landed on injured reserve with a knee issue. He had caught just three balls in six games before going down. The fact that he still isn’t practicing nearly 10 months later is a poor sign. Keene, of course, saw the heart cut of any potential Dynasty league upside when the Pats splurged on Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith in free agency.

Keene has surpassed Devin Asiasi on the depth chart, but it has not translated to fantasy relevance. The third-round rookie has caught one pass all season. He must miss at least the next three games.

The Patriots enter Week 8 with one healthy tight end. Ryan Izzo will play every down for them with both Asiasi and Keene sidelined. Izzo peaked at three catches for 38 yards two weeks ago but could see more work with the slew of injuries facing New England. The losses of Gilmore and Dugger increase the outlook of Josh Allen and the Buffalo receivers.

Keene was listed questionable the last two weeks but couldn’t get cleared. This puts him on track to play Sunday against the Raiders. New England hasn’t got much from Ryan Izzo (4 targets, 98% snap share) and Devin Asiasi. Keene should mix into the tight end rotation.

Keene was trending toward sitting after a late-week setback. He’ll miss his second straight game. Also inactive for the Patriots are RB James White, QB Jarrett Stidham, OT Korey Cunningham, CB Myles Bryant, and LB Josh Uche.

Keene was downgraded to a limited practice Friday after back to back full sessions. That casts doubt on his status for Sunday night. The Patriots started Ryan Izzo and played Devin Asiasi on 15 percent of snaps without Keene in Week 1.

Keene missed Week 1 after he was a late addition to the injury report. Barring a setback, he should return for Sunday night’s game with Seattle. The Patriots started Ryan Izzo in their season opener, with Devin Asiasi playing 15 percent of snaps. SPARQ star Keene has the highest upside of the Patriots’ tight ends.