In the New England Patriots' 25-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, pass rusher Joshua Uche was surprisingly inactive – a notable development with the NFL trade deadline just over a week away.

Uche was not listed on the Patriots' injury report this week, making him a healthy inactive.

“It was just a healthy scratch and we also wanted to field the best team that would give us the best chance of winning,” said head coach Jerod Mayo, explaining Uche’s status on Monday morning.

After already participating in trade talks last season, Uche signed a team-friendly one-year deal to remain in New England as a free agent. The Patriots are now 2-6 this year and are one of the teams willing to trade players for future assists.

Due to the nature of Uche's contract, rival teams will likely be interested in the pass rusher – making him the Patriots' most likely trade candidate by the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

The 26-year-old's playing time has steadily decreased in recent weeks. Before going on the inactive list, Uche had played no more than 20 defensive snaps in each of the last two weeks. During this period he only produced a single print.

Overall, Uche has played just over 30 percent of New England's defensive snaps this season, generating 13 pressures, two quarterback hits and a pair of sacks.

With Uche sidelined on Sunday, fellow fullback Anfernee Jennings played a season-high 60 defensive snaps (97%).