Report: Patriots set to re-sign Benjamin Watson

The New England Patriots are expected to re-sign tight end Benjamin Watson, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.

Watson was suspended for the first four games of the season due to a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. New England released him last week.

The 38-year-old's return bolsters an inexperienced tight end group that includes Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse, who have combined for just 199 receiving yards through six weeks.

LaCosse is expected to miss at least a few weeks after suffering a sprained MCL during Thursday's win over the New York Giants, reports NFL Network's Michael Giardi.

Watson, a former first-round pick of the Patriots, spent the 2018 season with the New Orleans Saints. The veteran caught 35 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in 16 appearances.