Tuesday Patriots Notebook 8/26: More Players Out, Questions Remain at Multiple Spots
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Some Patriots news and notes on this Tuesday:
1) Patriots cuts continue: Today’s the big day, with the club looking to pare its roster down to 53, and there were already a couple of additional names added to the list before the final total gets announced later this afternoon.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that the club is waiving Demontrey Jacobs, which is an interesting decision. Given how thin their depth is at tackle, seeing them cut someone who was a starter for a good portion of last season is somewhat of a surprise.
Granted, Jacobs joined Vederian Lowe tied for the most penalties in 2024 with 11, but overall, as a starter, while he wasn’t ideal, he seemed like he was at least suited for a backup role.
Instead, they’re likely viewing rookie Marcus Bryant as a stronger replacement, with most reports indicating Bryant has had a good camp.
Jacobs’ departure leaves them with Morgan Moses and Lowe to go along with rookies Will Campbell and Bryant at the tackle spot. Caedan Wallace has seen time there in the past, but he’s worked mostly at guard this preseason. But should he survive the final cuts, he does bring some versatility.
Mark Daniels of Mass Live reported that the Patriots have also made a decision at kicker, and it appears they’re going to roll the dice with rookie Andres Borregales. Daniels reports that John Parker Romo has been released, which is interesting given that it felt like Borregales was the one possibly hanging in the balance after Parker Romo had the night off Thursday, and Borregales missed a 49-yarder, but did hit one from 30.
Daniels also reported that the Patriots are releasing cornerback Miles Battle, while Mike Reiss also revealed that fellow defensive back Brandon Crossley is also out. Crossley had a good preseason, finishing among the leaders in tackles with eight while also ending up with one pass defended, along with a forced fumble.
As of right now, here is the total list of players who are out so far, which includes the names Vrabel announced on Saturday:
Previously released:
Latest cuts:
That has the roster number at 71, with the overall number at 72, but defensive tackle David Olajiga remains, thanks to his international exemption. The Patriots need to get down from 71 to 53, meaning they still have at least 18 players left to go.
We’ll be tracking this throughout the day, and our current roster has the latest totals and position numbers. You can also get the latest Patriots roster cuts by hitting the link to our tracking page.
2) White Remains in their Plans: One player who has dropped off the radar has been Keion White, with some wondering what his future might hold after he seemingly dropped down the depth chart.
White has been spotted running with the second team in recent days, which is an interesting development. Especially given quite a few of his comments during this training camp.
The Patriots have significant questions when it comes to their pass rush, with some wondering if White might possibly be moved by the club in an effort to improve their roster. Instead, that hasn’t happened to this point, and Vrabel said on Monday that White remains in their plans when it comes to the players they’ll be using off the edge in 2025.
“Well, there’ll be a rotation,” said Vrabel. “We’re going to play a lot of guys on defense. I’ve had plenty of conversations with Keion and love how he works and love how he competes.”
“We’re going to need him. We’re going to need all three of them, four of them, five of them, however many guys can help us on the edge and affect the quarterback. I think when everything is said and done, that the snaps are going to be pretty even and equal.”
3) Gonzalez Making Progress: Vrabel was also asked about Christian Gonzalez yesterday, who has missed the majority of the summer after being sidelined with a leg injury.
Most reports have indicated that Gonzalez will be out there in Week One against the Raiders, and it sounds like that will be the case after Vrabel told reporters that the veteran defensive back has continued to make progress coming back from his injury.
“He’s working hard to get healthy, and I think that’s what I try to remind you guys all the time,” said Vrabel. “That’ll be my stance on injuries, that I’m confident that the player is working hard and that they’re doing what they’re asked to do. Once they, let’s say, recover from something that they’re working through, especially if it’s been in the training camp, if you look at this specific situation, there is some conditioning that’s involved. I think that’s probably different for each guy.”
“In my own personal experience, you can only ride the bike so long or do the stair climber or something. You actually have to come out here, put pads on, run, and get into football conditioning. So whatever that takes, that takes. And I’ve said that to every player that’s not out there with us right now.”
4) Questions remain up front: The offensive line has obviously been a bit point of discussion throughout training camp, and how things ultimately go today will be just one indicator of what things might look like in the coming weeks.
The left guard position remains a big question. They’ve had various players competing at that spot, from Wallace, Cole Strange, Jared Wilson, Ben Brown, among a variety of players who have seen time there, along with Garrett Bradbury seeing each of those names get snaps with him at center.
Vrabel said on Monday that the final five are still being evaluated, but it doesn’t sound like any decisions have been made.
“We’re not even making anything official,” said Vrabel. “I meant it’ll be the five guys out there with the first group today. But as far as having a parade or anything about it, we’re just not going to do that right now.”
“Still want to get some work in today, compete against ourselves like we talked about, and then come back and finish the week with starting in on the Raiders.”
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Glad to see that the Pats acquired Garrett Wilson! Good job Eliot.
Thanks, Davey. Not sure how I made that error, but you’re the only one who pointed it out and I appreciate it. It’s been corrected.