JSn

I think the 3 TE's for the end zone especially is killer, but we seem to basically have 3 multi-dimensional TE's (in that all CAN block or catch, though they have strengths).

Bill likes to keep defenses guessing, so I think we'll likely keep 3 for sure and some have suggested four (though everyone has soured fast on Alex Smith).

BUT - is there any chance we stash a released TE on the P-Squad and go with only 2 TE's on the 53?

Has Bill ever done that?

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mgteich

Given how many TE's have been injured for other teams this preseason and the imprtance of the position to Belichick, I think four is much more likely than two. I do think that three is the right number. Four is possible if you believe Thomas and Smith would take fullback and h-back roles.

JSn

Ya, Thomas has really helped himself this year. Smith is in the running for LVP in the Tight-End crowd, but Wendy almost annoys me for doing well after I've invested so much dislike in the guy... haha.

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Rob0729

I think it is very doubtful the Pats carry only two TEs. The Pats use a lot of 2 TEs sets and that will leave them in a quandry if Baker or Thomas go down early in a game.

Actually, Thomas performing well in the H-Back role makes me wonder if the Pats will carry 5 RBs this year more than whether they will carry only two TEs. Last year they carried 5 RBs, but one was Heath Evans who was primarily a FB.

jmt57

I would say there's practically no way the Pats go with only two tight ends for a couple of reasons. Besides the issue of the lack of depth, the Pats do not carry a FB on their roster. Thomas as the H-Back sort of takes the place of that FB spot. The other consideration is the rule changes on special teams this year, reducing the size of the wedge. That is resulting in less use of lineman and more use of tight ends on those two-man wedges, which would give more consideration to keeping another tight end.

Bottom line is that I see more of a chance the team keeps four tight ends than going with only two.

patsox23

what he said.

DaBruinz

None of the Patriots TEs are eligible for the Practice Squad. That being said, there was only one year, to my knowledge, when the Patriots carried only 2 TEs. And that was in 2001 when they carried just Rutledge and Wiggins. They did have 2 TEs on the IR that year.

The next year, they drafted Graham and signed Fauria, Cleeland, and Fred Baxter.

I doubt the Pats go with only 2 TEs though. Especially since they like to run multiple TE sets.. And the last time they dressed only 2 TEs in a game was in 2007 against the Giants in the SB, and I'd be willing to be that BB regrets that move since Kyle Brady was such a non-factor.

Jimke

The only way the Patriots could do this is if they had a couple of

tight ends on the practice squad. There are no young tight ends to put on

the PS.

JSn

Ya, I know all our TE's are vets. I really didn't think it would happen, but you never know what some of the ideas on rosters are around the forum.

Thanks for the TE history, btw. And thanks for mentioning #42...

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BradyManny

I'd highly doubt it considering a) we use 2 TE sets b) we can even see 3 TE sets c) we are using TEs in the backfield d) two of our TEs have had injuries in the past several years.

Frankly, I still think carrying 4TEs makes a lot of sense - but Alex Smith hasn't done much of anything, so trying to trade him makes sense too.