Price, who was drafted by the Patriots in the third round out of Ohio University last season, is progressing enough that it may be time for him to see more reps, according to offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
“He’s practiced well,’’ O’Brien said. “We need to get him in there more. He’s done a good job in practice. He’s a guy that we have to give him some more reps in the games.’’
As to how the Patriots plan to work Price in, that remains to be seen.
“We’re figuring all that out right now so you’ll see that on Sunday,’’ O’Brien said.
The Giants are up next as the Patriots attempt to bounce back from their second loss of the season. The Steelers used man coverage to clamp down the Patriots receivers and held Tom Brady to a season-low 198 passing yards.
Price used much of his rookie season to study the playbook and get adjusted to the system. He played in the regular-season finale against the Dolphins, then worked in the offseason in hopes of being ready for his second year.
The preseason was promising as Price started off with a stellar performance, but he faded as he battled injuries.
Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said the team doesn’t put time restraints on a player.
“I don’t think with any player you really put a timetable about when they are going to play or when they are going to be ready,’’ Caserio said. “I think you look at the player individually and look at their individual skill set.
“You just have to evaluate some things and other opportunities, whether it’s a bowl game or a workout or a visit or whatever the case may be, and in the end, like you do with any player, you try to put the picture together of what you think the player’s strengths are and maybe some areas that he needs to improve on at some point.
“When a player gets into your program, it’s kind of a combination of things - when they get onto the field and what they do with those opportunities. Everybody learns and everybody improves at different stages and different levels.
“Taylor’s done a decent job in practice and has had some opportunities in the game. It’s a long season and we’ll see where it goes.’’
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