Chad Ochocinco left the New England Patriots Friday night to fly to Miami just two days before the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, but it is expected that he will rejoin the team prior to Sunday's game, reports the Boston Herald's Ian R. Rapoport.
The wide receiver planned to attend his father's funeral on Saturday. His father passed away four days ago.
Ochocinco has not played a big role for the Patriots this season, catching a career-low 15 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. He did manage to behave himself all season, accepting his smaller role in stride and never causing a locker room nuisance like some felt he might.
Julian Edelman took most of Ochocinco's snaps last Saturday against the Denver Broncos, even when Ochocinco was healthy and present. The Patriots used a five-receiver set on numerous occasions, spreading the field using Edelman, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
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