84 Cordarrelle Patterson WR

Patterson logged 16 out of a possible 75 snaps on offense in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Texans.

In the process, Patterson ran three times for 13 yards and caught his only target for six yards. He was predictably out-snapped by both Chris Hogan (68) and Phillip Dorsett (57), but it does appear as though the Patriots will look for ways to get the ball into his hands in the coming weeks. That could result in some occasional big plays for Patterson, who also sees kick return work, but he's not a reliable fantasy lineup option, so long as he slots in as the team's No. 3 wideout.

With Julian Edelman set to serve a four-game suspension to start the season and the Patriots having released Jordan Matthews, Malcolm Mitchell and Kenny Britt, Patterson has a chance to be a factor in the Patriots' passing game early on, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Patterson has been in the team's kick return plans all along, and attrition within the ranks of the Patriots' receiving corps has paved the way for the 2013 first-rounder to contribute as a pass-catcher. With Edelman out, Chris Hogan is the only New England wideout with a clear role for the first four games. Added opportunities are thus present for likely No. 2 option Phillip Dorsett, as well as Patterson. While Patterson may not see consistent volume out of the gate, the 6-foot-2, 228-pounder has the size, athleticism and run-after-catch ability to become a playmaker for QB Tom Brady. As a result, he has some sleeper potential and should be kept on the radar as a potential September pickup.

Patterson caught five of nine targets for 37 yards in Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Patterson hauled in one of his two targets from Tom Brady, gaining 10 yards before adding to his total with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer in the second half. New England's target leader on the night, the elusive Patterson is vying for playing time while Julian Edelman is suspended the first four games of the regular season.

Patterson caught four of his seven targets for 51 yards and a TD in Thursday's 37-20 preseason win over the Eagles.

Patterson is expected to make his mark as a kick returner for the Patriots this year, but with Julian Edelman set to serve a four-game suspension to start the regular season, there will be a target void to fill out of the gate. Chris Hogan is locked in as a starting wideout for the team, but Patterson, Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker and Kenny Britt (hamstring) -- when healthy -- are all candidates to see added opportunities in Edelman's absence.

Patterson has made some impressive plays in practice this summer, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Patterson's primary role with the Patriots figures to come as a kickoff returner/special-teamer, but the 2013 first-rounder does have the size (6-2, 228 pounds) and speed to make plays when he gets chances in the team's offense. With Julian Edelman on track to serve a four-game suspension to start the season and Jordan Matthews (hamstring) on IR, there's snaps to be had out of the gate alongside Chris Hogan. Kenny Britt (hamstring), Phillip Dorsett and Eric Decker are also in the mix, but now that Malcolm Mitchell has been released, Patterson's roster spot looks pretty secure, plus through attrition he could be a single break away from landing a larger than expected role, early on.