Watson (suspension) logged 15 snaps and caught his only target for 14 yards in Thursday's preseason opener, a 31-3 win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Watson is slated to serve a four-game suspension to start the coming season, but he's in a position to contribute upon his return, with the Patriots looking to fill the void created by Rob Gronkowski's retirement. In Watson's early-season absence, Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson and Lance Kendricks profile as candidates to fill pass-catching roles for the Patriots out of the tight end position.

Watson announced Sunday that he'll be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after testing positive for a banned substance.

EDGE Analysis

Watson took the substance while he was planning for retirement and seeking out other career opportunities, and with that, it doesn't appear he will appeal the suspension. As a result, Watson will be ineligible to play until Week 5, leaving Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse as the top candidates for the starting job at tight end early in the season.

Watson (appendix) has officially signed a contract with the Patriots, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The deal is expected to be for one year and $3 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, which is a slight pay raise from the one-year, $2 million deal Watson got from the Saints last offseason. The 38-year-old tight end immediately steps in as the presumed No. 1 option on the depth chart and should handle a role that offers obvious touchdown upside within a Tom Brady offense.

Watson (appendix) is expected to sign a contract with the Patriots in the near future, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

There are still a "few issues" to sort out, but those issues aren't expected to hold up the deal and it looks like the 14-year vet will return to the team that made him a first-round pick in 2004. Watson figures to step into the No. 1 role in the wake of Rob Gronkowski's retirement, with Austin Seferian-Jenkins on hand to serve as a receiving complement.

Ansah (appendix) plans to continue his football career and has scheduled a visit with the Patriots on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson missed the NFC Championship Game due to appendicitis and then considered a transition to the broadcast booth after the season. The Saints replaced him with Jared Cook in March, but plenty of other teams could still benefit from Watson's presence, including the franchise that drafted him in the first round back in 2004. The 38-year-old tight end reportedly also has interest from the Bills, Chiefs and 49ers if things don't work out with New England. A Patriots reunion would offer the most potential for fantasy value, but even that might be a stretch at this point in Watson's career.

Watson (appendix) is considering a return to the NFL for his 16th season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson appeared poised for retirement following the Saints' NFC Championship loss, but the veteran tight end may not be willing to hang up the laces just yet. The 38-year-old was a surprisingly critical factor in the team's offense for much of last season, registering 400 receiving yards and two touchdowns despite starting just four games, forcing tight ends Josh Hill and Dan Arnold to each take on more of a supporting role. The Saints clearly value Watson's leadership, but even if the 14-year vet were to return for another season, it's unclear if it would be for New Orleans considering the offseason addition of Jared Cook.

Watson (appendix) is drawing interest from ESPN for a job on television, Michael McCarthy of The Sporting News reports.

EDGE Analysis

A generous broadcasting offer could tilt the 38-year-old tight end toward retirement if he's on the fence, though he'd likely still have opportunities if he waited another year or two. Watson started four of 16 games for the Saints in 2018, hauling in 35 of 46 targets for 400 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 32 snaps per game. Appendicitis held him out of the NFC Championship Game, but he should be healthy soon enough, if he isn't already. Watson presumably doesn't have any interest in playing for a team besides New Orleans.

Watson (illness) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Rams, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson's availability for the NFC Championship Game was clouded when appendicitis was revealed as the reason for his absence from practice Wednesday and Thursday. Despite the diagnosis, he so far has avoided surgery and even was a limited participant at Friday's session, leading to a questionable designation. However, his condition hasn't improved enough to reintroduce him to the rigors of tight end. In Watson's stead, Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold will hold down the position in the Saints offense.

Watson is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Rams. However, he isn't expected to play due to appendicitis, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Saints merely termed Watson's condition an illness all week, but despite the diagnosis, he followed up back-to-back absences with a limited showing at Friday's session. Considering his listing of "questionable," he appears to have a shot to suit up this weekend, however dire his health may seem. Unless his condition worsens, expect Watson's status to remain in limbo until the Saints release their inactive list 90 minutes before Sunday's 3:05 PM ET kickoff. No matter if Watson is available, Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold are on hand to ensure tight end is covered.

Watson will be held out of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams due to appendicitis, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watson kicked off the week with back-to-back absences as a result of an illness, which now has been clarified. So far, he's sidestepped surgery, but the situation is severe enough for the veteran to be ruled out well in advance of Sunday's contest. Watson has declared his intention to retire after this season, so a Saints loss Sunday would put an end to a 15-year career. Expect Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold to hold down the fort at tight end this weekend.