18 Matthew Slater WR

Slater (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints.

There was hope that the extra rest afforded by the 10-day period following the Sept. 7 season opener would give Slater enough time to recover, but he was unable to practice this week. Therefore, the Patriots will have to go without the services of their special teams ace for at least another week.

Slater (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Slater wasn't able to play in Week 1, but there were hopes since they played Thursday that the longer week of rest would bode well for his return. He's not likely to get many offensive snaps when he returns as the No. 5 wideout, but he'll contribute on special teams and may be get a chance to return kickoffs.

Slater is inactive for the Patriots' season opener against the Chiefs on Thursday.

Slater has been dealing with the hamstring issue since mid-August and was limited in practice all week, so this isn't a huge surprise. The Patriots are likely hopeful the long break after Thursday's game will help the 31-year-old be ready in time for Week 2.

Slater (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice, and listed as questionable for Thursday's season opener against the Chiefs.

Slater was limited at practice all week. He has been slowed down with a hamstring injury since mid-August. The Patriots could choose exercise caution here in order to avoid a lingering issue throughout the season, but he will likely be a game-time decision Thursday.

Slater (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, Erik Scalavino of the team's official site reports.

From the looks of it, Slater has overcome the hamstring issue that kept him out for two-plus weeks. He still has a ways to go before he can re-assert himself among the receiving corps, but returning to the field is a good start.