Malcolm Mitchell

The New England Patriots released 2016 fourth-round wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who recently underwent a procedure on his ailing knee. Mitchell caught 32 balls for 401 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie but sat out the entire 2017 season after injuring his knee at the tail end of his rookie campaign.

Fantasy Impact

The Patriots were rumored to be shopping Mitchell but drew no interest. Clearly there are major concerns about that knee, as New England is thin at receiver and Mitchell flashed some big potential as a rookie. Just 25, Mitchell may eventually draw some interest as a free agent but he'll have to get fully healthy before that can happen. Only members of really deep dynasty leagues with ample IR spots should be holding onto Mitchell for fantasy purposes this season.

Ian Rapoport is reporting that Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell had a procedure (but not surgery) on his knee to speed up his rehab. Rapoport adds that the Patriots are clearly trying to trade Mitchell.

Fantasy Impact

Mitchell has been plagued by injuries since entering the league. After a few flashes on the field, his value has essentially evaporated. Mitchell has no place on seasonal rosters, and is becoming a quick cut candidate on dynasty formats. His only real hope at this point is if the Patriots find a trade partner or he gets cut and signs elsewhere.

Mike Reiss of ESPN considers WR Malcolm Mitchell to be "on the bubble" of the Patriots' 53-man roster.

Fantasy Impact

Mitchell hasn't done much to inspire fantasy owners, and is only relevant in relatively deep dynasty leagues, but he has shown brief flashes that make owners hold out hope. Mitchell has excellent hands, and showed some promise in 2016, but has been hampered by his inability to get on the field due to injuries. Mitchell played 12 games in 2016, during which time he ranked 14th in the league in fantasy points per target. He was bolstered by his 4 touchdowns on only 48 targets, but that illuminates why dynasty owners are tantalized by his upside. If Mitchell is healthy, he should make the roster, and could even find his way onto the field during Julian Edelman's suspension. When you play WR with Tom Brady, there are lots of avenues to score fantasy points. Since Mitchell carries almost no value, he is a good buy in dynasty and he could blow up if he delivers. If not, cutting him won't cost much in dynasty leagues.

Malcolm Mitchell (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Fantasy Impact

Mitchell has been on the injured reserve all season and it did not look like he would make it back this season. If Mitchell does get activated before the Week 17 matchup with the Jets he would probably only see limited playing time and is not worth owning in fantasy.

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports the Patriots consider WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee, injured reserve) unlikely to return this season.

Fantasy Impact

With the signing of Kenny Britt on Tuesday, it means the Patriots were concerned about their wide receiver depth with Mitchell not being able to come back. If fantasy owners were holding onto Mitchell for the hope that he would return he can be dropped.