Patriots Sign Former Steelers Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots have signed former Steelers wide receiver Mathew Sexton to their practice squad after a workout, according to reports.

Sexton played with the Steelers back in 2021 during training camp that year. He made a push for the roster as a returner, but was released after he fumbled a punt in a preseason game. But that has not stopped Sexton from finding his place in the league, and he has worked through the Spring League in 2020 and the XFL with the Las Vegas Vipers to get back into the league. Sexton began the season with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad, but he was released from their practice squad, allowing New England, who has plenty of wide receiver injuries and concerns, to scoop him up.

Nicknamed ‘Cheddar Bob’ in the Steelers locker room. Sexton became something of a folk hero during the 2021 training camp, which was held at Acrisure Stadium. The Eastern Michigan product racked up over 1300 receiving yards while playing the MAC and has earned these NFL opportunities due to his versatility. Sexton, 26, will help the Patriots and could even be elevated. The Steelers play the Patriots on Thursday Night Football in eight days.

The key injury for the Patriots is standout rookie receiver Demario Douglas, who suffered a head injury after a hit to the head in their 10-7 loss against the New York Giants on Sunday. That puts his status in doubt not only for this week, but for the team’s Thursday night game against the Steelers, too.