Kristian

Wilkerson

Wilkerson’s touchdown came on the Raiders’ final offensive drive of the game with the Steelers up by almost 30 points. The 27-year-old saw extra time with both Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers sidelined and shouldn’t be on fantasy radars going forward.

No real surprises here. Aidan O’Connell will serve as the team’s emergency quarterback. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers cleared the concussion protocol this week and will make his return to the lineup Sunday.

Kicker Quinn Nordin and defensive back Tae Hayes were also waived. Wilkerson bounced between the Pats’ practice squad and active roster during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He did not play in 2022 after being hospitalized with a head injury during training camp. He was placed on injured reserve after the incident, ending his season before it began. He will look to find a home as a depth receiver and special teams contributor in the spring.

Wilkerson was leveled by Panthers S Kenny Robinson, a hit that appeared to knock Wilkerson out. He’s being evaluated for a head injury. The hit has the Panthers questioning Robinson’s roster spot. It started a fight between the two teams.

The Pats also signed WR Tre Nixon K Quinn Nordin WR Malcolm Perry RB Devine Ozigbo, and OL Will Sherman to reserve/future contracts. Wilkerson was only active for three games this year. He played nine combined snaps on offense in the first two before scoring two times on eight targets in Week 17. He was then made inactive in Week 18 and the Patriots’ Wild Card game. With N’Keal Harry’s time in New England likely over, Wilkerson could pick up some work as a WR4/5 for the Patriots next season.

Agholor looks set to return and reclaim his role from Kristian Wilkerson who excelled in his one-game audition. Agholor will likely see close to a full-time role as he ramps up for the Patriots playoff run. He is a dart throw option this week.

Wilkerson caught his first career TD in the back of the end zone for Mac Jones’ first score of the game. He was then left unguarded for his second TD. Although, Wilkerson sold a fake block on the play--a designed fake screen--which is what got him wide open for a 20 yard TD. Wilkerson could have had a third TD, but dropped what would have been his longest score of the day. Wilkerson was activated from the practice squad to play ahead of N’Keal Harry. Based on his performance against the Jaguars, he could have a role going forward.

Harry ran a route on 100% of dropbacks in Week 16, but it’s clear the Patriots didn’t love what they saw. Practice squad Kristian Wilkerson will now likely see significant work with Nelson Agholor out. Harry has been dealing with a hip injury, but he was not on the final injury report so this is likely performance-related.

The former first-round draft pick could battle it out with unheralded second-year wideouts Isaiah Zuber and Kristian Wilkerson, per Callahan. Harry was at the center of trade rumors in March. How real those rumors were is the source of much speculation, as Harry has been disastrous as a pro, managing 45 receptions over this first two seasons in the NFL. Handpicked by head coach Bill Belichick over A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel, Harry could start the 2021 season on another roster if the Patriots give up on him this summer.