The New England Patriots were without kicker Stephen Gostkowski and tight end Ben Watson on Wednesday at the start of practice in preparation for Week 5 against the Washington Redskins, according to reporters on the scene.
It’s possible Gostkowski was working on a separate field — which is common for special teams players — only to return after the reporters left practice. (The media portion of practice is very short.) Gostkowski’s absence comes with the Patriots intending to bring in kickers for workouts on Wednesday. Belichick said those workouts were not “related to competition.”
The Patriots had a new receiver at practice, a mystery man wearing the No. 17. He is likely on the team’s practice squad. The Patriots should announce his arrival later on Wednesday. The team will also clarify Watson and Gostkowski’s status for practice.
Watson is returning from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
