FOXBOROUGH — In their quest for a wide receiver to step up and assume a larger role at such an injury-depleted position, the Patriots have seen players come and go (Leonard Hankerson, Damaris Johnson), depart with injury (Aaron Dobson), or yo-yo between the practice squad and active roster (Chris Harper).

Which brings us to Keshawn Martin. After starting the season with the Texans, Martin was acquired in a trade Sept. 17, and he has seen his numbers steadily improve over the past month, when more opportunity has become available with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola missing games with injuries.

Martin sparked the Dec. 20 win over Tennessee with a 75-yard kickoff return, the team’s longest of the season. He then had his best receiving game of the season last week against the Jets, with seven catches (on 11 targets) for 68 yards. Martin added 66 return yards on punts and kickoffs.

With Edelman (foot injury) ruled out for Sunday’s regular-season finale at Miami and Amendola (knee) listed as questionable, Martin once again might get his chance to make a lot of plays. It would come at a good time: A win would guarantee the Patriots (12-3) home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Martin has had at least three receptions in four straight games. For a team wondering who might be healthy enough and talented enough to grab a larger pass-catching role, the answer seems to be someone who wasn’t even on the roster when the season began.

“I wouldn’t say I put extra pressure on myself,’’ said Martin. “I would just say that’s what I expect myself to do, to step up in a role if the team needs you.

“Any time I go out there, I just want to make as many plays as I can and help the team. So far, I feel like I’ve been doing an OK job of that. I’ve been able to make a couple plays.’’

He caught a touchdown pass in his Patriots debut Sept. 27 against Jacksonville, and added a second touchdown in the win at Houston three weeks ago.

But Martin’s emergence with the Patriots isn’t tied to his touchdowns. Over the past four games, he has been targeted 27 times, and caught 16 passes. Among wide receivers, those are more than anyone else; Brandon LaFell has had 14 catches on 23 targets over the past four games, and he’s still looking for his first touchdown of the season.

It’s clear that Martin, in both the passing game and return game, is doing what he can to overcome the absence of Edelman and Amendola. His teammates and coaches have certainly taken note.

“Since he’s got his opportunity, he has really taken advantage of it,’’ said Tom Brady. “I certainly have a lot of confidence in him. He keeps making plays out there for our team, whether that’s on offense or special teams. It’s been great to see him really emerge and be a critical player for us.’’

Said offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels: “Keshawn’s really taken advantage of his opportunities. I think that he has demonstrated the ability to do the two things that we really tell our receivers they have to do, which is to get open and catch the ball.

“I really like the things that Keshawn’s doing, really enjoy the person that he is. He’s really a good kid, he works hard, he has a great attitude, he’s bright, and he’s talented.’’

The Patriots sent a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Martin, and the fact he was playing for the Texans is one reason he’s here now. Houston is coached by former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, whose offense includes similarities to the one run by McDaniels. If he had to switch to another team, Martin surely would have had a tougher time learning a completely new system. Instead, the playbooks were a lot alike.

“Being in a system similar to ours in Houston, I’m sure that helped him to some degree,’’ Bill Belichick said. “We’ve used him in different positions, really in all three receiver spots in our three-receiver groupings. He’s been inside and outside, both on the strong side and the weak side, so he has good position flexibility.’’

With a nod to the team’s radio analyst, it hasn’t all been unicorns and show ponies for Martin. He muffed a punt against his former team in the 27-6 win at Houston, and missed five straight games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury. Sitting out games and being limited in practice cuts into the time he needs to build chemistry with Brady.

“It takes a little time to get on the same page with a different quarterback, but I’ve been working real hard,’’ Martin said. “Just getting more comfortable, getting on the same page with the guys. I’m trying to make plays when I’m out there, trying to do the best that I can.’’

Maybe last week’s loss to the Jets will come with a silver lining. If Martin can build off that production, it could give the Patriots yet another option when Edelman and Amendola return.

That sometimes happens in the postseason; few had heard of Seattle receiver Chris Matthews, until he caught four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Patriots. Ditto for Malcolm Butler, and everyone knows what he did.

“I think he’s improved significantly, both in his kicking game, ball handling, and also his offensive receiving work, route techniques, ball skills, adjustments, and so forth,’’ Belichick said.

“Even though it was a later starting time, his performance has just kind of improved every week, and I think there is a lot of confidence in him. He’s been able to help us, and I’m glad we have him.’’

Michael Whitmer can be reached at mwhitmer@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeWhitmer.