FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots promoted rookie wide receiver Chris Harper from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday, favoring him over released receiver Leonard Hankerson because of his knowledge of the system.
Harper had been waived on Nov. 30, one day after losing a muffed punt against the Denver Broncos. He was re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
With top receivers Julian Edelman (left foot), Brandon LaFell (foot) and Danny Amendola (left knee) all managing injuries, the need for a receiver who knows the offensive system was high.