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The New England Patriots waived wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins ahead of their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, the Oakland Raiders have claimed Thompkins off of waivers.
Kenbrell Thompkins was claimed by the Raiders, per source. The Raiders (0-4) had the second-highest waiver priority.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 6, 2014
Thompkins has just six catches for 53 yards this season, after catching 32 passes for 466 yards last year.
While he can move the chains with his route-running and solid hands, he doesn't offer enough playmaking ability, and the Patriots needed someone to step up and give them just that.
The Raiders however can use any kind of pass-catching threat they can get their hands on. Where Thompkins was fighting for playing time in New England, it won't be surprising to see him earn a starting role in Oakland, especially after the team placed Rod Streater on the short-term IR.