Jeremy

Kerley

Kerley has been out of the league since Buffalo cut him in early September. He would give the Lions veteran slot insurance after trading Golden Tate, but this is likely just due diligence. T.J. Jones and Brandon Powell are expected to pick up Tate’s snaps.

New England’s top receiving options this year have been tight end Rob Gronkowski, running back James White and a ham sandwich. Jokes aside, the Patriots are desperate for play-makers on offense, though help may be on the way with Josh Gordon expected to debut this week and Julian Edelman eligible to return from suspension in Week 5. Kerley was let go by Buffalo earlier this month. He’ll just be a depth option if he signs.

In a corresponding move, Buffalo signed DT Robert Thomas from the practice squad. Kerley finished third on the team with five targets in Week 1, so this news comes as a bit of a shock. Bills receiving depth now consists of Andre Holmes, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Robert Foster.

We assume Kerley will see the majority of returns, though Westhoff expects at least 35-40 percent touchbacks until the weather turns colder. Westhoff is hesitant to use Jim Leonhard on punt returns, so Kerley and possibly McKnight will handle those duties as well.

Mason was noticeably absent throughout the game, losing playing time to rookie Jeremy Kerley, who caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. Mason’s lone reception didn’t come until late in the fourth quarter. Averaging just 23 yards per week, he’s in danger of losing the No. 3 receiver job.

With Derrick Mason now in Houston, the Jets are really thin at receiver. Kerley will only get 15-20 snaps per game as the slot receiver, but will be forced into a full-time role if Santonio Holmes or Plaxico Burress gets hurt. The fifth-round rookie is someone to monitor rather than add in fantasy leagues.

Jeremy Kerley played 18 snaps as Mason’s grip on the No. 3 receiver job has been loosened. Coach Rex Ryan simply said that the team wanted to give Kerley “a few more shots.” In other words, Mason’s on-field production at age 37 is no longer useful and his critical post-game comments last week didn’t help. Beat writer Rich Cimini even suggests that Mason could be cut at some point soon.

The Jets’ rookie slot receiver, Kerley has seen more targets than Dustin Keller since New York’s Week 8 bye. His absence could translate to a few more passes thrown Keller’s way over the middle. The Jets’ third receiver against the Broncos is now expected to be practice squad type Patrick Turner.

Tomlinson and Jeremy Kerley (knee) both worked with trainers off to the side while teammates went through positional drills during the portion of practice open to the media. Ryan expects both players to be game-time decisions if they end up traveling to Denver, though that decision hasn’t been made yet. Ex-Broncos practice squad member Eron Riley will be active if Kerley sits out.

Kerley muffed a punt against the Redskins and coach Rex Ryan has seen enough. Sure-handed but less explosive Jim Leonhard will function as the primary punt returner going forward.