Belichick won’t comment on Kellen Winslow but does talk a little history

While talking with the media during today’s conference call, Bill Belichick wouldn’t get into specifics in regards to tight end Kellen Winslow, who the team has reportedly signed. With Aaron Hernandez (ankle) going down in the Patriots’ 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the addition of Winslow would allow the Pats to continue to run their two tight end set.

When asked what Winslow brings to the table, Belichick said, “I’m not going to talk about any players that aren’t on our current active roster.”

This isn’t the first time that Belichick or the the Patriots have signed someone in season with the hopes that they can play come Sunday. Though the situation, to have Winslow play this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, isn’t ideal, Belchick says it’s something he’s done before - with success.

“It definitely depends on the player,” said Belichick. “When we were in Cleveland, we signed Mike Tomczak and he started at quarterback that week, after our other two quarterbacks got injured.

“Mike did a good job. He worked hard. He actually played pretty competitively and thought he had a pretty decent year for us. Obviously, it’s not an ideal situation but we did it last year, brought guys in too. Played them in the nickel or started them, played the for 30 or 40 plays a game. Signed guys and not played them at all. (It) depends on circumstances, all the circumstances that surround the player in the game situation. I don’t think there’s any real book on that.”

The offense looked stagnant on Sunday in their three wide receiver set. Hopefully the addition of Winslow, who caught 75 passes for 763 yards last year, will allow them to use multiple tight ends, like they did in Week 1.

In regards to Hernandez, Belichick said the team will have an update tomorrow after practice.


(boston.com)