Patriots project 53-man roster ahead of cut deadline
Analysts outline which New England Patriots players are expected to make the final roster, practice squad, or injured reserve as the league’s cut-down day approaches.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is expected to finalize the team’s 53-man roster by the league’s August 30 deadline. Quarterback depth appears set with Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito retaining spots, while rookie Behren Morton is projected to be released and placed on the practice squad. At running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison are slated to make the cut, with Myles Montgomery on injured reserve.
Fullback Reggie Gilliam, who joined as a free agent in March, is projected to stay on the roster after the releases of Brock Lampe and Jack Westover. The wide-receiver group is expected to include A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, with several others likely to join the practice squad.
Tight ends Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin are projected to remain, while Julian Hill is listed on injured reserve. The offensive line may carry six tackles—Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Marcus Bryant, James Hudson III and Dametrious Crownover—with interior spots filled by Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Greg Van Roten; Ben Brown could start the season on injured reserve with a return designation.
On defense, interior linemen Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are expected to start, with Cory Durden as the third option. Edge rusher depth includes Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder and Gabe Jacas, while Harold Landry III is likely to begin the season on the physically unable-to-perform list. Linebacker selections feature Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, K.J. Britt, Chad Muma and Namdi Obiazor, with Khalil Jacobs possibly placed on injured reserve.
Cornerback trio Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones are projected to start, backed by Charles Woods and Karon Prunty. Safety positions are expected to be filled by Craig Woodson, Kevin Byard, Dell Pettus and Jaylen Reed, with Brenden Schooler on the non-football injury list. Special-teams assignments include Andy Borregales as kicker, Julian Ashby as long snapper and Bryce Baringer or Matt Haack as punter, depending on Baringer’s health status.