OL C Barker, RB Marcus Thigpen, TE Allen Reisner Signed To PS; Swanson, K Davis, Bethel-Thompson Cut

Per NESN:

Patriots Practice Report: New England Signs Three To Practice Squad | NESN.com

The Patriots signed guard Chris Barker, who cleared waivers on Tuesday, running back Marcus Thigpen and tight end Allen Reisner to the practice squad, according to sources. It appears, based on practice squad attendance, that cornerback Daxton Swanson, quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and safety Kanorris Davis were released from the Patriots’ practice squad.

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I like Thigpen...

Gotta admit, a little surprised to see Swanson cut from the PS. Just shows how little preseason success against fourth stringers matters in the grand scheme of things.

BradyFTW! said:

Gotta admit, a little surprised to see Swanson cut from the PS. Just shows how little preseason success against fourth stringers matters in the grand scheme of things.

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One of the great things about Hard Knocks is that it really gives you insight into what players are really like and how coaches actually make decisions on them. I am sooooo glad the patriots didn't take Hagemann, what a dog.

Completely off topic but I used the iPhone app Shazam to try and recognise what the music was being played before the kickoff in the second video and it recognised what it was. Amazing!

Joe Satriani's Crowd Chant by the way.

Sorry about that. Please continue.

More relevantly, anyone who hurdles a tackler on a kickoff return that goes the distance wins my vote of approval.

manxman2601 said:

Completely off topic but I used the iPhone app Shazam to try and recognise what the music was being played before the kickoff in the second video and it recognised what it was. Amazing!

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Shazaam is my ****. Incredible app. How they figured out how to do that and catalog millions upon millions of songs is beyond me.

Big question. Is Belichick going to hold a special press conference to announce the practice squad signings? Apparently, it is the thing to do these days.

Hmm, I think this TE and RB are here for a tryout...if they don't impress they will be let go and some of the guys we just released...like swanson will be back...since they cleared waivers once it's unlikely a team will go after them now.

Thigpen was one of my undrafted binkies.

Lots of speed.

A groin injury made him miss much of camp and get cut by the fins.

KontradictioN said:

Shazaam is my ****. Incredible app. How they figured out how to do that and catalog millions upon millions of songs is beyond me.

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It's magic. Only explanation.

Surprised to see Thigpen PS-eligible -- welcome to the new rules! He was a UDFA way back in 2009. Possibly the best KR on the roster now, fwiw.

With 12 DB's, Kanoriss Davis and Swanson were luxuries.
As surprised as anyone else that Swanson was released, though.

Assume they will want to find a QB somewhere.

What's the half-life of the latest TE?

Rob0729 said:

Big question. Is Belichick going to hold a special press conference to announce the practice squad signings? Apparently, it is the thing to do these days.

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Only if you're trying to distract from the other failings of your team, like no defense and another 8-8 season is a pipe dream.....and the signing is the biggest sideshow this side of Lake Erie.....actually, it's that side of Lake Erie...and further south

I like the Thigpen signing... According to Wikipedia, in 2010 he became the first player in CFL history to score a touchdown 5 different ways in one season. In total, he had scored on a kickoff return, punt return, missed field goal return, a running play and a reception. So there's that versatility BB likes.

From a guys-who-have-hurt-the-Pats perspective, Wikipedia also states Thigpen was the recipient of the TD pass from Tannehill with 1 min left to go last December that screwed our chances of keeping the #1 seed. Thought that was also interesting.

I'm glad to see Barker back. He is an OK backup if there are a couple of injuries.

Ross12 said:

I like the Thigpen signing... According to Wikipedia, in 2010 he became the first player in CFL history to score a touchdown 5 different ways in one season. In total, he had scored on a kickoff return, punt return, missed field goal return, a running play and a reception. So there's that versatility BB likes.

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Guy can't throw?

Reisner - 7 career receptions. Over four seasons.

NFL draft scout stats:
6-2.2 248, 4.90. 15 reps, 7.20 3-cone.
Too slow for a move tight end; too small for a blocking specialist.
This is a rent, not buy, situation. Maybe a weekly rental.
Wish him the best, but I wouldn't expect to see him for long.

Wonder if every team tweaks their roster as much as the Patriots do??

Seems like Bill Belichick is kicking the tires on a number of players.

Patsfanin Philly said:

Only if you're trying to distract from the other failings of your team, like no defense and another 8-8 season is a pipe dream.....and the signing is the biggest sideshow this side of Lake Erie.....actually, it's that side of Lake Erie...and further south

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I know an LSAT teacher in TX who true to explain taking things at face value by saying "If it says 'Jerry Jones is a competent GM'. . . ."

Ivan said:

One of the great things about Hard Knocks is that it really gives you insight into what players are really like and how coaches actually make decisions on them. I am sooooo glad the patriots didn't take Hagemann, what a dog.

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I haven't followed Hard Knocks this year. What's going on with Hagemann?