18 Matthew Slater WR

Slater has signed a two-year deal to remain with the Patriots, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The 32-year-old rarely contributes on offense, but the 2008 fifth-rounder has been a mainstay on special teams for the Patriots since then and that's a role Slater will reprise in 2018.

Slater (hamstring) is officially active for Monday night's game against the Dolphins.

Slater returns after a three-week absence from the hamstring injury he sustained against the Broncos in Week 10. The 32-year-old should resume his role as a special teams ace in Monday's contest.

Slater (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Dolphins, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Slater was a limited participant in practice this week to earn the questionable designation. The 31-year-old has missed three consecutive games but will hope to return to his role as special teams ace for the Patriots against the Dolphins.

Slater (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice.

Slater has kicked off Week 14 preparations with a pair of limited practices, but he may need to put in a full session Friday in order to avoid an injury tag heading into Monday's game against the Dolphins. If active Monday, Slater, who has missed the team's last three contests, would see the majority of his snaps on special teams.

Slater (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's tilt against Miami.

Slater was limited in practice for the second week in a row and will miss his third straight contest. Slater's absence shouldn't have much impact on the offense.