Donte Stallworth’s Knowledge of Patriots’ Offense Should Make Him Ready to Contribute for Battered Receiving Corps

As Julian Edelman crutched his way out of the locker room at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday evening, the Patriots already slim receiving corps grew even thinner. Edelman joined Rob Gronkowski on the shelf, leaving the Patriots with just six receiving options, between tight end and wide receiver. Even worse, the injury left Tom Brady with just three healthy wide receivers on the active roster. The absence of Deion Branch to a hamstring ailment and recent release of Greg Salas, who was signed by the Eagles, seem to be more than just minor losses now. Fortunately for the Patriots, an old friend was prepared to link back up at a moment’s notice. Earlier in the season, it was Branch who filled the void on the outside. This time, Donte Stallworth turned out to be the one returning to the Patriots’ sideline. And he should Stallworth, who has been out of work since the Patriots released him during the preseason, has kept himself in shape and was even brought into Gillette Stadium for a workout ...