Second-year wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, who was waived by the New England Patriots on Saturday so the team could address short-term needs at linebacker, has been claimed by the Oakland Raiders, according to a source.
The Patriots had hoped Thompkins might clear waivers and return on the practice squad.
"I enjoyed working with KT and I hope we get the opportunity to work with him again in the future, but for this game given our depth at linebacker we felt like we had [to adjust the roster]. So that's what we did," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in his weekly pregame radio interview Sunday.
Thompkins started in the season opener this year, but was inactive for two of the next three games as he was passed on the depth chart by five-year veteran Brandon LaFell. Thompkins totaled six catches for 53 yards in 85 offensive snaps this season (including penalties).
Thompkins started eight games as a rookie, finishing with 32 receptions for 446 yards and four touchdowns, with one of the highlights a 17-yard touchdown with five seconds remaining to beat the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 13.