Raridon (thigh) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Raridon started the week as a limited participant Wednesday before downgrading to a non-participant in the Thursday and Friday practice sessions. The rookie third-rounder has still managed to draw the questionable tag despite consecutive absences, meaning the 22-year-old may have been granted some additional rest in anticipation of Sunday's contest.
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Patriots' Eli Raridon: Doesn't practice Thursday
Rotowire
Raridon (thigh) did not practice Thursday.
Raridon was injured in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Steelers. He practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday. However, the 22-year-old appeared to take a step back by missing Thursday's session. Raridon will have another opportunity to practice Friday or else he may carry an injury designation ahead of the Week 3 meeting with Jacksonville. The rookie appeared in both of the Patriots' games to begin the 2026 campaign, catching both targets for 32 yards and one touchdown.
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Patriots' Eli Raridon: Limited to open week
Rotowire
Raridon (thigh) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.
Raridon was forced to leave Sunday's 20-3 win over the Steelers in the first half with a thigh injury, and he was unable to return to the game. The tight end's ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday is a positive sign, and he'll have two more chances to log a full practice before the team faces the Jaguars in Week 3.
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Patriots' Eli Raridon: Won't return Sunday
Rotowire
Raridon (thigh) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Steelers.
Raridon exited the game after hauling in a 30-yard pass from Drake Maye. The catch that caused the tight end to enter the medical tent was his only target in the contest.
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Patriots' Eli Raridon: Candidate to contribute early
Rotowire
Raridon will enter training camp with an opportunity to establish himself as the No. 2 tight end behind starter Hunter Henry, Jordy McElroy of USA Today reports.
The Patriots selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has a clear path to snaps with Julian Hill (knee) on season-ending IR and Austin Hooper having signed with the Falcons. At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, the Notre Dame standout possesses the athleticism, speed and catch radius to threaten defenses down the seam and provide Drake Maye with another receiving option. Raridon still needs refinement as a blocker, but a strong training camp could position him for a meaningful rookie-year role. Meanwhile, Henry is positioned to hit free agency in 2027.
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Patriots' Eli Raridon: Scooped up by Patriots
Rotowire
New England selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 95th overall.
Raridon spent his entire four-year college career with Notre Dame, and he was able to overcome knee injuries in 2022 and 2023 to become a productive starter for the Fighting Irish. He put it all together in 2025 with 32 catches for 482 yards over 12 games, though he did not haul in a touchdown pass. Raridon showed steady improvement as a pass catcher over the course of his college career and has the athletic foundation (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) to establish himself as a large target in the passing game for Drake Maye, though the former will need to work on his blocking ability in order to earn consistent snaps on offense. Hunter Henry is New England's top option at tight end, but with Austin Hooper signing with the Falcons in March, Raridon has a chance to earn the TE2 job, with Julian Hill being his main competition.
