Austin (wrist) was not activated from injured reserve Saturday and has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Chargers.
Austin turned in three limited practices for the second consecutive week, but it won't be enough for him to return. He hasn't played since Week 12, though he could be back for the divisional round should the Patriots defeat the Chargers on Sunday night.
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Patriots' Alex Austin: Receives tender
Rotowire
The Patriots placed an exclusive rights tender on Austin on Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Austin missed eight games in 2024 due to an ankle injury. He returned to action Week 12, and over the final six games of the season, he accrued nine tackles (eight solo) and five pass breakups. Austin will likely sign the tender and return for the 2025 season, and he'll have a chance to vie for a starting job at cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez (concussion).
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Patriots' Alex Austin: Ruled out for Week 4
Rotowire
Austin (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the 49ers.
Austin is dealing with an apparent ankle injury and will be forced to sit out Week 4 as a result. Marcellas Dial and Marco Wilson are two candidates to see an increase in workload at cornerback in Austin's absence versus San Francisco.
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Patriots' Alex Austin: Staying in New England
Rotowire
The Patriots re-signed Austin on Thursday, Zack Cox of New England Sports Network reports.
There's no specifics on the 22-year-old cornerback's deal just yet, but he's headed back to New England. The 2023 seventh-round pick spent time with the Bills, Texans and Patriots throughout his rookie year, appearing in seven games. In those outings, Austin tallied seven total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception. Expect the young corner to compete for a depth spot in the Patriots' secondary as the offseason progresses.
