Patriots beat writer Rich Garvin on the status of WR Chad Ochocinco: "Two observations on the Ochocinco 'situation,' if you will. First, he’s currently on pace to finish with 27 receptions. Maybe he’ll end up with a few more, but anything above 35 or 40 would be shocking. It’s not like the 33-year-old Ochocinco was brought to Foxboro to be the No. 1 receiver, which was his role in Cincinnati for the last nine years. Or, for that matter, the second, third or fourth receiver. In the hierarchy of Patriots pass-catchers, Ochocinco is — and will continue to be — behind Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Deion Branch and, because of the way running backs are involved in the passing game, Danny Woodhead and/or Kevin Faulk, should Faulk return. He can master the offense all he wants — he isn’t moving up the ladder more than a rung."
Garvin's words certainly don't inspire confidence in Ochocinco's prospects for the rest of the season. His snaps increased exponentially in Week 3, but he's likely to go back to part-time duties once TE Aaron Hernandez returns.
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