What is confirmed
Doubs is on IR, which means he has to miss at least four games before he can be designated to return. Underdog NFL, citing Doug Kyed, put it the same way: at least four games. To fill the roster spot, New England promoted defensive back Elliott Davison from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. The other moves Monday were practice-squad changes, and none added a receiver to the active roster.
The injury came on Doubs' best play Sunday. He caught a 42-yard touchdown from Drake Maye in the first quarter, was shaken up on the play, went to the medical tent and then to the locker room. The Patriots ruled him out for the rest of the game later that afternoon.
What is still open
The team has not described the shoulder injury beyond the location, and nobody has given a firm return date. Four games is the minimum. Anything beyond that is unknown until the Patriots say more.
What RSO owners should do now
Move Doubs to your IR slot if your league has one, and take him out of every lineup for at least the next month. Do not release him. His contract value takes a hit for this season, but a shoulder injury with an IR stint is not a reason to cut a starting receiver in a dynasty format.
The targets have to go somewhere. A.J. Brown came back from injured reserve Sunday and drew a team-high 10 targets in that game, so Brown owners should keep starting him. DeMario Douglas had six catches and a touchdown by the third quarter Sunday, and he is the receiver to add in deeper leagues if he is still on waivers.
What to watch next
Watch for any update from the Patriots staff on the severity of the shoulder injury, and for whether New England adds a veteran receiver before Week 7. The first date Doubs could return depends on when he is designated, so check the practice window in about a month.
