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The New England Patriots weren't about to go into their Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets with just one healthy wide receiver.

The Patriots promoted rookie wideout Chris Harper from their practice squad, the team announced Saturday. They waived receiver Leonard Hankerson to make room for Harper.

Harper has played three games with the Patriots this season. He has yet to record an NFL reception but lost a muffed punt in the Patriots' Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. He has three punt returns for 17 yards.

Harper began the season on the Patriots' 53-man roster and was waived Sept. 15. He was re-signed to the active roster Nov. 17 and waived again Nov. 30, a day after fumbling against the Broncos.

Harper was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent this offseason after going undrafted out of California.

Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is doubtful to play against the Jets. Danny Amendola, who's dealing with a knee injury, also isn't expected to play, a source told The Boston Globe's Ben Volin. Receiver Brandon LaFell is questionable with a foot injury, leaving Keshawn Martin and Harper as the team's only fully healthy wideouts.

Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images