2015 Patriots 53-man Roster & Practice Squad Watch

[RedOctober3829]

I don't think people would describe cancer as an injury.
 
Does seem weird that there's no details out there.

No, but they wouldn't disclose what type of ailment he has.  It leads me to believe it could be a non-football injury such as a disease.  Another thing it could be is taking a hit that damaged an internal organ.  Those are the only non-normal football-type situations I can think of that would be so serious that he'd miss the year.  If it was a garden-variety torn ligament, tendon or broken bone why wouldn't they disclose it?

 

[mwonow]

Thanks for this, I'd never played with this before!
 
My list isn't very different from what was discussed above. When I was forced to pick between a marginal young guy and a marginal older guy, though, I tended to pick the older guy (e.g., Johnson at DT) because the team is pretty darned young as it stands, and I'm hoping that at least some of the young guys sneak through onto the practice roster.
 
 
 
QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo
RB (5) L.Blount, J.Gray, B.Bolden, J.Develin, J.White
WR (5) J.Edelman, M.Slater, B.LaFell, B.Gibson, D.Amendola
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, S.Chandler, M.Hoomanawanui
C  (2) B.Stork, D.Andrews
G  (3) T.Jackson, R.Wendell, S.Mason
T  (4) M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer, C.Fleming
DE (5) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, J.Sheard, T.Flowers, G.Grissom
DT (4) D.Easley, M.Brown, S.Siliga, A.Johnson
ILB(2) D.Fletcher, D.Hightower
OLB(4) J.Mayo, J.Freeny, R.Johnson, J.Collins
CB (5) L.Ryan, T.Brown, B.Fletcher, M.McClain, M.Butler
SS (4) P.Chung, J.Richards, T.Wilson, N.Ebner
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
 
Total players: 53
Created with Pats Picker: http://patsfans.com/patspicker

 

[Ed Hillel]

Tyms has a foot injury and may be done for the year

@MikeReiss: #Patriots reserve WR Brian Tyms has sustained a foot injury that could threaten his season. Was vying for No. 4-5 spot on WR depth chart.

 

[Shelterdog]

Tyms has a foot injury and may be done for the year

 
What the fuck is it with our receivers busting their feet? Lafell, Dobson, now Tyms.  It's just weird.

 

[Ed Hillel]

They run a lot.

 

[TSC]

It's a big field.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

Rex Ryan joke.

 

[amarshal2]

Chung has to be the SS. He's just not good enough in coverage. Obviously the best in coverage is McCourty so it's probably him. This is paired with a tweet I saw recently implying that he was playing RCB.

If course McCourty is also the best FS so it could be Harmon.

It's McCourty playing slot CB.

Devin McCourty's versatility to line up in different spots sparked a question to Belichick on Thursday morning about his value to the defense. "He gives us a lot of leadership and a lot of versatility," Belichick said. "We'll try to work [some players] in different roles, so when we get to those, which we eventually will during the season, that they will at least have some background in it."

Reiss's notebook: http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4784027/patriots-notebook-bill-belichick-still-enjoying-the-job

Maybe McCourty is going to be used at lots of positions to disguise the defense. They did that last year but seems like it's a bigger thing this year.

 

[edmunddantes]

Why "unfortunate"? 
 
Is it because he's a really good guy, and media like him?
 
He has a foot problem. Seems like a typical injury for football.
 
Is it how he injured it? Helping a little old lady across the street, saving a cat from a tree, etc... Why the "unfortunate" characterization?

 

[Shelterdog]

They run a lot.

 
Sure.  But I just remembered that Edelman also had a foot injury so that makes four in the last couple of seasons.  It just strikes me as a flukeishly high number of a particular kind of injury.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

With all the WR injury attrition, gotta believe Pats are scanning the waiver wires.
 
So...has Reggie Wayne officially hung 'em up yet?  He looked awfully toasty last year, but IIRC Belichick always held him in very high regard...
 
EDIT:  It's a month old, but this: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25245567/report-patriots-ravens-among-teams-interested-in-reggie-wayne

 

[Super Nomario]

It's McCourty playing slot CB.

Reiss's notebook: http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4784027/patriots-notebook-bill-belichick-still-enjoying-the-job

Maybe McCourty is going to be used at lots of positions to disguise the defense. They did that last year but seems like it's a bigger thing this year.

I think you're reading too much into it. They used this grouping at times last year - mostly in obvious passing situations, but on occasion there would be some matchup they liked, like McCourty on Charles Clay or Antonio Gates - but I don't see any reason to think it will be a very common set this year. It makes sense to practice now, because it's training camp, and because there might not be a ton of opportunities to practice it later, and it also gives some other guys practice on the back end that they need and McCourty doesn't.

 

[lambeau]

Kenbrell Thompkins is not a lock to make the Raiders' 53-man. Could become available.

 

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

Maybe the Pats put a package together for Larry Fitzgerald?  Something centered Ryan Lindley since he already knows the AZ offense.  Possibly throw in Hanley Ramirez if we're willing to eat some of the contract. 
 
(In before someone else makes the absurd Larry Fitz trade proposal)

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

With all the WR injury attrition, gotta believe Pats are scanning the waiver wires.
 
So...has Reggie Wayne officially hung 'em up yet?  He looked awfully toasty last year, but IIRC Belichick always held him in very high regard...
 
EDIT:  It's a month old, but this: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25245567/report-patriots-ravens-among-teams-interested-in-reggie-wayne

 
I think the answers are already in the house. I'd have guessed that Brandon Gibson would have been a more valuable contributor than Tyms (and I love Tyms, as Tims4Wins could attest on my behalf).
 
Chris Harper has also been a pleasant surprise as well, catching 7 passes on 7 targets (compared to Boyce's 2 for 11 disaster). 
 
And please, no on Thompkins. 

 

[RedOctober3829]

With all the WR injury attrition, gotta believe Pats are scanning the waiver wires.
 
So...has Reggie Wayne officially hung 'em up yet?  He looked awfully toasty last year, but IIRC Belichick always held him in very high regard...
 
EDIT:  It's a month old, but this: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25245567/report-patriots-ravens-among-teams-interested-in-reggie-wayne

I was on the Wayne train earlier in the offseason, but my friend the Colts scout told me that Reggie doesn't have anything left.  He said it wouldn't surprise him if he caught on with somebody else at the end of training camp, but he wouldn't offer much.  No speed left.  It's safe to say it cooled my jets on him.

 

[Marciano490]

Why "unfortunate"? 
 
Is it because he's a really good guy, and media like him?
 
He has a foot problem. Seems like a typical injury for football.
 
Is it how he injured it? Helping a little old lady across the street, saving a cat from a tree, etc... Why the "unfortunate" characterization?

 
Do you have some sort of social disorder, not to be a dick?  You ever been injured?  You ever work really hard for something then have an opportunity snatched away because of a fluke twist?  It's not death or dismemberment, but it's unfortunate for sure.

 

[edmunddantes]

I'm just curious as to why the "unfortunate" aspect which is atypical of NFL reporting on injuries particularly during training camp. 
 
Any number of times guys get injured in NFL training camps. It happens all the time. It's rare that you hear "unfortunate" without it referring to something that has nothing to do with the normal expected injuries that occur in the regular course of playing a sport.
 
Normally it's "Player X has injured body part Y while doing Z" or fair approximation of it without any "unfortunate" adjective. If they do use unfortunate, it's purely there as an adjective to what caused the injury "an unfortunate slip on teh grass led to acl tear" etc. It's not just there by itself as "Tyms has an unfortunate injury".
 
Yet here most of the early reporting was "Tyms had an unfortunate injury" and very circumspect for awhile as to why and how the injury occurred. Still haven't seen a how, but at least know he injured his foot.
 
I'm curious as to the how or why of it that has nothing to do with my social skills and more about my general curiosity as to what's motivating the reporters to report the facts in a way that seems off from the normal course of reporting. 
 
As an aside starting with "blah blah blah... not to be a dick" is the equivalent of "with all due respect" in my mind. Especially following it up with a lot of questions of that amount to being a dick.  Just because you say "not to be a dick" doesn't mean you aren't being one and you might as well save us some time and your hands the chance of repetitive injury and just skip "not to be a dick" and just be one next time. 

 

[Marciano490]

I'm just curious as to why the "unfortunate" aspect which is atypical of NFL reporting on injuries particularly during training camp. 
 
Any number of times guys get injured in NFL training camps. It happens all the time. It's rare that you hear "unfortunate" without it referring to something that has nothing to do with the normal expected injuries that occur in the regular course of playing a sport.
 
Normally it's "Player X has injured body part Y while doing Z" or fair approximation of it without any "unfortunate" adjective. If they do use unfortunate, it's purely there as an adjective to what caused the injury "an unfortunate slip on teh grass led to acl tear" etc. It's not just there by itself as "Tyms has an unfortunate injury".
 
Yet here most of the early reporting was "Tyms had an unfortunate injury" and very circumspect for awhile as to why and how the injury occurred. Still haven't seen a how, but at least know he injured his foot.
 
I'm curious as to the how or why of it that has nothing to do with my social skills and more about my general curiosity as to what's motivating the reporters to report the facts in a way that seems off from the normal course of reporting. 
 
As an aside starting with "blah blah blah... not to be a dick" is the equivalent of "with all due respect" in my mind. Especially following it up with a lot of questions of that amount to being a dick.  Just because you say "not to be a dick" doesn't mean you aren't being one and you might as well save us some time and your hands the chance of repetitive injury and just skip "not to be a dick" and just be one next time. 

 
With all due respect, you may be insane.  Unfortunate has other definitions not having to do with bad luck, and if you can't see why a young athlete suffering a season-ending is unfortunate, then I don't think my follow-up questions were dickish so much as curious as to your experience with pain and disappointment.

 

[edmunddantes]

Which my experiences with pain and disappointment have nothing to do with it. Why you have a fixation on mental health or social cues is fairly misplaced.
 
The initial media reports were all "unfortunate" "not good" etc and extremely circumspect as to what happened.
 
They still are. There is enough there to legitimately ask why the change in reporters from fairly typical reporting on NFL injuries as I laid out above.
 
Guys get injured all the time in the NFL, and I do mean ALL the time. It's rare that you get the circumspect "not good" no further explanation. Every injury is not good or unfortunate, but here the emphasis was on the not good part vs just "injury happened".
 
What was different about the Tyms instance? How serious? Does it point to career ending? Who knows? Nobody at this point. Other than it's a foot.
 
Great. 
 
There is something else there, and they alluded to it in their reporting or they actually didn't as they all left it out. 
 
I am just showing curiosity as to what it may be, what may be driving there desire to be circumspect about it, along with what the hell happened.
 
Personally, I was curious as to whether he would make the team. Now he won't. Why? He got "injured". Okay was it football related or not? No one knows. Normally we do. Will he be gone for a year? a career? (shrugs) and neither do you.
 
I care because if it's just normal football then "dem's the breaks. It sucks for him, and I won't care too much beyond that." If it's not football (e.g. he broke is foot because it's brittle due to cancer/disease/something out of his control), I then have sympathy towards his plight and wish him well. If it's he got mad at his girlfriend and kicked his bed and broke his foot, then I laugh and think "he's an idiot that sucks but it's not unfortunate or 'not good'". 
 
If you would spend more time reading what I actually say versus trying psychoanalyze me, make pronouncements about my mental health, or whatever you next non-sequitur response is going to be, this would be fairly easy to understand.
 
Otherwise, have a good weekend

 

[TSC]

You're a sociopath.

 

[TSC]

Which, considering your username, is quite disappointing.

 

[edmunddantes]

Okay. Thank you for another mental health check-in.
 
As time went on, the reporting changed. When paying attention from the periphery of how I do with pre-season, the initial reporting on Tyms was weird and sounded off kilter. 
 
 
They eventually got into more detail, but the circumspect nature of it initially just felt off. I had curiosity to it. 
 
Nothing more.
 
Sorry that has offended the two of you and your finely tuned mental health skills. 

 

[NW Sox Fan]

Okay. Thank you for another mental health check-in.
 
As time went on, the reporting changed. When paying attention from the periphery of how I do with pre-season, the initial reporting on Tyms was weird and sounded off kilter. 
 
 
They eventually got into more detail, but the circumspect nature of it initially just felt off. I had curiosity to it. 
 
Nothing more.
 
Sorry that has offended the two of you and your finely tuned mental health skills. 

Edmund,
 
I understand Marciano and TheShynessClinic's alarm. A season-ending injury to a fringe player on a non-guaranteed contract with little signing bonus money is nothing less than tragic.
 
In your defense, however, there is more to the story. Tyms overcame an abusive, troubled childhood to earn a shot at an NFL career. I seem to recall that journalists, perhaps Mike Reiss, indicated that he had improved immensely as both a person and a player. There are several articles out there detailing Tyms's troubled childhood, but here is just one: http://proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/untold-story-new-england-wide-receiver-brian-tyms/
 
For what it's worth, I don't think you are a sociopath.

 

[Super Nomario]

As time went on, the reporting changed. When paying attention from the periphery of how I do with pre-season, the initial reporting on Tyms was weird and sounded off kilter. 
 
They eventually got into more detail, but the circumspect nature of it initially just felt off. I had curiosity to it. 
 

Yeah, you're not the only one. RO wrote:
 

Jeez.  Hope it's not something like cancer as the foggy details suggest something other than a garden variety football injury.

 

It was reported as a "medical issue" initially in some places, which was strange. I did not see anyone use the word "unfortunate," so I don't know where you got that, but it was a little odd.
 
 

I understand Marciano and TheShynessClinic's alarm. A season-ending injury to a fringe player on a non-guaranteed contract with little signing bonus money is nothing less than tragic.

If he'd only gotten to a doctor for five minutes, that would have been a tragedy.
 
Obviously it's not good for this future, but Tyms wasn't a great bet to make the roster and now he'll make six figures on IR

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Here we go:
 
QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo

• No questions here. 

 
RB (5) L.Blount, J.Gray, J.Develin, B.Bolden, J.White

• Bolden is a lock, and the interesting decision looming with Cadet, once Blount's suspension is over.
• I can see Gray getting cut in week 2. He seems to be in a permanent BB doghouse, and may have a better career elsewhere.

 
WR (6) J.Edelman, M.Slater, B.LaFell, D.Amendola, C.Harper, B.Gibson

• Harper has done everything he could during ST and in the first pre-season.
• Dobson is a lost cause at this point, hurt once again. He's time has run out, but may be kept over Harper, who can then be signed onto the PS. Ah, the life of a UFDA
• Boyce can't haul in the opportunities given, while Gibson has. 
• If BB goes by performance & health as he often does, Harper & Gibson is a clear choice over Dobson and Boyce. (And we know he's not afraid to cut high draft picks). 

 
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, S.Chandler, M.Hoomanawanui

• Too bad about Bequette's injury, as I was looking forward to seeing him as a blocking TE. Shockingly, I think he still may be eligible for the PS, no?

 
C  (2) B.Stork, D.Andrews

• Andrews looked promising so far in camp. He can kick out as a guard in an emergency, although he played exclusively at C in College (Andrews blocked for Gurley at Georgia)
• Andrews' only drawback is size. Otherwise, his reported high football IQ seems perfect for BB & Gug's OL depth.

 
G  (3) T.Jackson, R.Wendell, S.Mason

• Wendell's versatility saves his bacon once again.
• He's the only veteran inside -- that speaks volumes about how fast BB was able to make the interior OL younger and more talented.
• If Mason can hold his on in pass protection, this is a unit that'll be together for a long time. 

 
T  (3) M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer

• Ho-hum. Least surprising group besides the QB & ST unit. 

 
DE (5) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, J.Sheard, G.Grissom, T.Flowers

• Sheard's going to be a monster. His ability to play multiple fronts must be tantalizing to BB & Patricia.
• Grissom has shown flashes, as has Flowers. Another exciting group that has gotten really young in a hurry. 

 
DT (4) D.Easley, M.Brown, A.Branch, S.Siliga

• Branch has never been a ST standout but would not be surprised if he's cut and is replaced by someone not yet on the roster.
• Staff favorite Chris Jones may still get the spot over Branch.
• Not to make of Easley anymore. Even if healthy, it may have zapped his initial burst just enough to make his lack of size a liability.

 
ILB(2) D.Hightower, J.Morris

• Morris looked decent, but Fletcher's inability to get on the field helped. 

 
OLB(4) J.Mayo, R.Johnson, J.Freeny, J.Collins

• This has to be the most promising group since the heydays of McGuinest, Bruschi, Vrabel, and Phifer. Rufus Johnson may have been the surprise of the camp. 

 
CB (5) M.Butler, T.Brown, M.McClain, B.Fletcher, D. Roberts

• What the hell's going on with Ryan? I have him cut over Darryl Roberts, who's made more plays during camp.
• Tarrell Brown is not getting released. In fact I think he'll hold down the RCB spot reasonably well throughout the season. 

 
SS (4) J.Richards, N.Ebner, T.Wilson, P.Chung

• Chung will start, but wouldn't be surprised if Richards is the starting SS next year.
• ST steady Ebner and Wilson also make the cut. 

 
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon

• Will Harmon be the most improved player on the D besides Butler?
• McCourty playing slot in a nickel is a fascinating wrinkle. 

 
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona

• All reports have Cardona not snapping like the reputation he carried with him during the draft. I gues we'll always have Aitken to call upon. Underrated part of this unit: Allen is really good at picking up crappy snaps. That's why he's the Puntator, y'all.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Sorry that has offended the two of you and your finely tuned mental health skills. 

 
It's times like this where the PM becomes a useful tool.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Are people really assuming Cameron Fleming gets cut? I don't see it.

 

[Super Nomario]

T  (3) M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer

• Ho-hum. Least surprising group besides the QB & ST unit. 

No Cam Fleming, SSF? He showed something last year.
 

CB (5) M.Butler, T.Brown, M.McClain, B.Fletcher, D. Roberts

• What the hell's going on with Ryan? I have him cut over Darryl Roberts, who's made more plays during camp.

Ryan had a bad first preseason game, but I see him as a lock. McClain's the only other slot CB, so Ryan provides needed depth even if he doesn't earn one of the top three spots. He's the most versatile CB they have, he's the most experienced in their system by a lot, and he's the best special teams player of the group - he finished 6th on the team in ST snaps in 2014. If you have Butler and Brown starting with McClain in the slot, Ryan makes a lot more sense as the fourth CB than Fletcher.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

No Cam Fleming, SSF? He showed something last year.
 
Ryan had a bad first preseason game, but I see him as a lock. McClain's the only other slot CB, so Ryan provides needed depth even if he doesn't earn one of the top three spots. He's the most versatile CB they have, he's the most experienced in their system by a lot, and he's the best special teams player of the group - he finished 6th on the team in ST snaps in 2014. If you have Butler and Brown starting with McClain in the slot, Ryan makes a lot more sense as the fourth CB than Fletcher.

Fleming was probably the toughest cut. Just afraid you will lose Andrews on waiver.

You are right about Ryan. Just my angst and disappointment over how he has not advanced further.

 

[fieldslikebuckner]

QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo
 
RB (5) L.Blount, J.Gray, J.Develin, J.White, B.Bolden
 
Cadet would be my pick here to occupy the extra roster spot while Blount is suspended Week 1.
 
WR (6) J.Edelman, M.Slater, B.LaFell, D.Amendola, J.Boyce, A.Dobson
 
Boyce getting work on special teams gets him on the roster now that Tyms is out. And I'm just not ready to give up on Dobson yet. Yet.
 
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Hoomanawanui, S.Chandler
 
C  (2) S.Mason, B.Stork
 
Groy over Andrews here with Andrews landing on the practice squad.
 
G  (3) T.Jackson, R.Groy, R.Wendell
 
T  (4) M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer, C.Fleming
No chance Fleming gets cut.
 
DE (5) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, T.Flowers, J.Sheard, G.Grissom
 
DT (4) D.Easley, M.Brown, A.Johnson, S.Siliga
Johnson over Branch here. Can't see Jones and Vellano making it with all this depth.
 
ILB(2) D.Hightower, J.Morris
I think they go light at LB, with Fletcher the odd man out. Fletcher to the shadow roster?
 
OLB(3) J.Mayo, J.Freeny, J.Collins
 
CB (5) L.Ryan, B.Fletcher, T.Brown, D.Roberts, M.Butler
 
SS (4) P.Chung, N.Ebner, J.Richards, T.Wilson
Kept all the safeties as they have large special teams roles. Though as someone said upthread, I could see Chung getting the axe and the Pats eating the money.
 
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
 
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona

 

[Shelterdog]

Fleming was probably the toughest cut. Just afraid you will lose Andrews on waiver.

You are right about Ryan. Just my angst and disappointment over how he has not advanced further.

 
Vollmer gets cut before Fleming. He showed a lot and is cost controlled for three more seasons.
 
EDIT: Vollmer's not getting cut, by Fleming is probably one of the four or five least likely OL guys to get cut.

 

[chief1]

After last nights game. I think Wendell, Fletcher and C Jones remain on the PUP. I have changed my surprise cut from Chung to Logan Ryan. I would also keep Gibson over Dobson, but fear the late injury to Gibson decides that. Some tough decisions looming and you know BB will have the inevitable surprise cut as well as surprise claim of another released player or two. The trade for TE Cleveland is a bit surprising too as I don't see enough spots to keep him. I would also have a hard time not keeping both White and Lewis after what I saw last night. 
 
QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo
RB (6) L.Blount, J.Gray, J.Develin, J.White, D.Lewis, B.Bolden
WR (6) J.Edelman, M.Slater, B.LaFell, C.Harper, A.Dobson, D.Amendola
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Hoomanawanui, S.Chandler
C  (2) S.Mason, B.Stork
G  (3) T.Jackson, R.Groy, J.Kline
T  (4) M.Cannon, N.Solder, C.Fleming, S.Vollmer
DE (6) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, T.Flowers, Z.Moore, J.Sheard, G.Grissom
DT (3) D.Easley, M.Brown, S.Siliga
ILB(2) D.Hightower, J.Morris
OLB(3) J.Mayo, J.Freeny, J.Collins
CB (4) M.Butler, M.McClain, T.Brown, B.Fletcher
SS (4) J.Richards, N.Ebner, T.Wilson, P.Chung
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
 
Total players: 53

 

[mwonow]

 
After last nights game. I think Wendell, Fletcher and C Jones remain on the PUP. I have changed my surprise cut from Chung to Logan Ryan. I would also keep Gibson over Dobson, but fear the late injury to Gibson decides that. Some tough decisions looming and you know BB will have the inevitable surprise cut as well as surprise claim of another released player or two. The trade for TE Cleveland is a bit surprising too as I don't see enough spots to keep him. I would also have a hard time not keeping both White and Lewis after what I saw last night. 
 
QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo
RB (6) L.Blount, J.Gray, J.Develin, J.White, D.Lewis, B.Bolden
WR (6) J.Edelman, M.Slater, B.LaFell, C.Harper, A.Dobson, D.Amendola
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Hoomanawanui, S.Chandler
C  (2) S.Mason, B.Stork
G  (3) T.Jackson, R.Groy, J.Kline
T  (4) M.Cannon, N.Solder, C.Fleming, S.Vollmer
DE (6) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, T.Flowers, Z.Moore, J.Sheard, G.Grissom
DT (3) D.Easley, M.Brown, S.Siliga
ILB(2) D.Hightower, J.Morris
OLB(3) J.Mayo, J.Freeny, J.Collins
CB (4) M.Butler, M.McClain, T.Brown, B.Fletcher
SS (4) J.Richards, N.Ebner, T.Wilson, P.Chung
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
 
Total players: 53
 

 
After the Saints game, I've been wondering about 6 RB, too. But where does the extra slot come from? 4 CB seems very skinny in a league where 3 is a normal set, and I don't think Ryan is at any real risk of being cut...

 

[fieldslikebuckner]

 
After the Saints game, I've been wondering about 6 RB, too. But where does the extra slot come from? 4 CB seems very skinny in a league where 3 is a normal set, and I don't think Ryan is at any real risk of being cut...

Blount's suspension gives them some breathing room Week 1.
 
I'm also wondering if McCourty playing so much CB in training camp is a way for BB to go light at that position so he can keep extra depth somewhere else. 

 

[CaptainLaddie]

cant link it but Schefter says Reggie Wayne is in town to take a physical. Giggity.

 

[chief1]

Blount's suspension gives them some breathing room Week 1.
 
I'm also wondering if McCourty playing so much CB in training camp is a way for BB to go light at that position so he can keep extra depth somewhere else. 

Exactly, and BB loves his safeties because of ST contributions.  I also went light at the DT position because I see BB looking for the same versatility there. When you look at their D-lineman, most could play just about any position and multiple gaps. That Is one reason I kept Moore. He is bigger this year and seems to play inside a lot, but can also set the edge and provide a pretty good pass rush. I actually think he is a sleeper with a ton of potential.

 

[chief1]

cant link it but Schefter says Reggie Wayne is in town to take a physical. Giggity.

Not a good sign for the injured WR's. Dobson, LaFell and Gibson.  

 

[Super Nomario]

I'm also wondering if McCourty playing so much CB in training camp is a way for BB to go light at that position so he can keep extra depth somewhere else. 

I think this is right. I don't think McCourty playing CB is really in the plans, but if the CB group is Butler / Brown / Ryan / McClain / Roberts, there are going to be weeks where only 4 CBs dress and they need one of the S to help out in a pinch. Right now there are 7 safeties on the roster and none of them is an obvious cut. I don't think they'll keep 7, but all have value, and I'd expect five or six will make it.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Not a good sign for the injured WR's. Dobson, LaFell and Gibson.  

 
LaFell is a 100% lock. Dobson not so much, and the reports have Gibson with a not-so-serious injury. If Wayne is ever worth a roster spot, the players who should be worried are Dobson, Tyms, and Boyce.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Chris Harper is quickly reaching The Binky status:
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4784154/in-73-snap-effort-undrafted-rookie-wr-chris-harper-makes-a-mark-for-patriots
 
Money quote is from BB himself:
 

Speaking in general terms, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after the game, "We gave a lot of looks to some young players and it looked like, definitely they had some positive moments. Maybe some of these guys showed that they deserve another chance, or they deserve a chance to play in this league."
 

 
BB has mentioned elsewhere that Harper may be the most improved player since the OTAs. The fact that he's getting open (and actually catching the balls thrown to him), returning both punts AND kickoffs, and is an apparent hard worker, and is a "good guy" according to the Patriots PFW guys, all point to him making the roster.

 

[jsinger121]

Chris Harper is quickly reaching The Binky status:
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4784154/in-73-snap-effort-undrafted-rookie-wr-chris-harper-makes-a-mark-for-patriots
 
Money quote is from BB himself:
 
Speaking in general terms, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said after the game, "We gave a lot of looks to some young players and it looked like, definitely they had some positive moments. Maybe some of these guys showed that they deserve another chance, or they deserve a chance to play in this league."
 
BB has mentioned elsewhere that Harper may be the most improved player since the OTAs. The fact that he's getting open (and actually catching the balls thrown to him), returning both punts AND kickoffs, and is an apparent hard worker, and is a "good guy" according to the Patriots PFW guys, all point to him making the roster.

 
Agree....He is likely going to have to make this team (and I see him making it) as I don't see him slipping through to the practice squad.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Interesting that @JeffHowe thinks Darryl Roberts is a lock:
 
@jeffphowe Not locks, but Harper, Lewis, Andrews, Kline have all helped themselves. Roberts is a lock if the wrist is OK 

 

[jsinger121]

 

Mike Reiss ‏@MikeReiss  1m1 minute ago
Some roster juggling in Foxboro today: FB Eric Kettani informed by #Patriots that club is moving on.

 
 
Opening a spot for Wayne?

 

[Ed Hillel]

Interesting that @JeffHowe thinks Darryl Roberts is a lock:
 
@jeffphowe Not locks, but Harper, Lewis, Andrews, Kline have all helped themselves. Roberts is a lock if the wrist is OK 

This isn't that surprising; he appeared lined up to be the starting CB alongside Butler before his injury.

 

[Corsi]

This isn't that surprising; he appeared lined up to be the starting CB alongside Butler before his injury.

 
Welp.
 
Mike Reiss ‏@MikeReiss  3m3 minutes ago
Per @caplannfl and me: #Patriots rookie CB Darryl Roberts (7th round, Marshall) has significant wrist injury that could threaten his season.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
 
 
 
Opening a spot for Wayne?
 

By my reckoning they were at 89 before so they already had a spot.
 

 
Welp.
 
Mike Reiss ‏@MikeReiss  3m3 minutes ago
Per @caplannfl and me: #Patriots rookie CB Darryl Roberts (7th round, Marshall) has significant wrist injury that could threaten his season.

Ugh, that sucks.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Christ, the injuries thus far are brutal.

 

[Corsi]

Christopher Price ‏@cpriceNFL  6m6 minutes ago
The Patriots re-sign LB D.J. Lynch. and put WR Brandon Gibson on IR.

 

[j44thor]

So Wayne is taking the Gibson role?