18 Matthew Slater WR

Slater logged 11 special teams tackles in 2018.

Though listed as a wide receiver, the 33-year-old hasn't caught a pass since the 2011 campaign. Slater earns his keep as a core special teamer, a role he's slated to reprise next season, given that he's signed through 2019.

Slater (illness) is active for Sunday's matchup with the Titans.

Slater was a late addition to the injury report after coming down with an illness over the weekend. He doesn't have a large role on the offense so his illness shouldn't impact the team much, even if he is slightly limited during the game.

Slater is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans with an illness.

Slater likely fell ill at some point Saturday or early Sunday, as he wasn't included on New England's injury report throughout the week. The late addition isn't the most encouraging sign for his availability, but the Patriots will see how he progresses in the next few hours before determining his availability for the 1 p.m. EST kickoff. Though listed as a receiver on the roster, Slater rarely sees snaps on offense and instead makes his biggest impact on the Patriots' special-teams units.

Slater (undisclosed) isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Although Slater's is generously labeled as a wide receiver, he's mainly used as a returner and special teams gunner. The 32-year-old is entering his 11th season with the Patriots but hasn't hauled in a pass since the 2011 season. He's off the PUP list now, though, so expect him to return to action soon.

Slater (undisclosed) has passed his physical, per NFL Communications, and has been activated from the PUP list, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Slater should resume his pursuit of a roster spot as a depth wideout and a special teams contributor after a delayed start to camp due to an undisclosed injury. The veteran has just one reception over the course of his extensive career, so it's safe to assume he won't be a viable option in almost all leagues.