Joshua Uche was a surprising scratch from the New England Patriots’ Sunday matchup with the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Uche was inactive in Week 8 after playing in New England’s first seven games of the season. It coincided with trade deadline rumors involving the Patriots pass rusher, who signed a one-year deal last offseason and is set to hit the open market in March.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo deflected when asked if Uche’s designation had anything to do with the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
“It was just a healthy scratch,” Mayo told reporters Monday morning, per a team-provided video. “(We put) the best team out there that we think gives us the best chance to win.”
Uche primarily works as a situational pass-rusher, which is why he’s played 35% or more of defensive snaps in just two games this season. Uche recorded two sacks in seven games (one start) and is graded as New England’s fourth-best pass rusher, according to Pro Football Focus.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Uche is “floating” around the trade market.
