Training camp? Over. The preseason? Over. The only event left on the NFL calendar before the start of the regular season is now roster cuts.
Once the final week of the preseason is wrapped up, NFL teams have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET this week to trim their rosters from the 90 player limit down to 53. Once that deadline passes teams can continue the roster construction process, which includes playing players on IR/eligible to return as well as building their practice squads. This week is also typically the busiest time of year for trades as well.
For the New England Patriots, roster construction is now the full focus. Following the team’s preseason finale on Friday night, Bill Belichick and his staff will spend the next few days translating what they’ve seen in camp and the preseason games into the initial 53-man roster.
It’s also important to remember that the *initial* 53-man roster is just that – initial. As soon as that Tuesday 4 p.m. deadline passes the team will continue to make changes ahead of its Week 1 matchup with the Eagles. As we go through this roster projection we’ll make note of what kind of moves may be included in that period.
Note: Players are listed alphabetically by position, not as a projected depth chart. Rookies are in italics.
Quarterbacks (2)
Silas Walker/Getty Images
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
–Mac Jones–Bailey Zappe
It wasn’t the best summer for Zappe, capped off by a near wire-to-wire three-turnover game on Friday night. Yet it wasn’t worrying to the point where the Patriots should look into bringing in another quarterback, at least on the active roster.
As for Malik Cunningham, it would have been good to see him get more reps at quarterback after the preseason opener. The fact the Patriots used him almost exclusively at wide receiver on Friday night isn’t a good sign for his roster chances. Still, he’s a very strong candidate to stick around on the practice squad.
Changes from Roster Projection 3.0: CUT Malik Cunningham.
Running backs (4)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Anthony Johnson Jr. #36 of the Green Bay Packers tackles J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots in the second half during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
–Ezekiel Elliott–Rhamondre Stevenson–Pierre Strong–J.J. Taylor
Taylor played his best this summer when it really mattered, in joint practices and in games. The coaching staff will take notice of that, and it should be enough to help him sneak onto the roster. Ty Montgomery not dressing on Friday night wasn’t a good sign for his chances. As for Kevin Harris, his skillset overlaps with Elliott and Stevenson, where Taylor adds a speed/quickness element the team wouldn’t otherwise have on the roster. Harris should get to the practice squad, and could end up on the roster later in the season – as he did last year.
Changes from 3.0: ADD J.J. Taylor
Wide receivers (6)
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Aug. 19, 2023: New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshoun Boutte runs past Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) after catching a pass to score a touchdown at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
–Kendrick Bourne–Kayshon Boutte–Demario Douglas–DeVante Parker–JuJu Smith-Schuster–Tyquan Thornton
We’ve been at six wide receivers since Roster Projection 2.0, and this past week showed no reason to change that. Boutte’s lack of playing time on Friday night felt like a positive sign for his roster chances.
While this may be the initial group, that could change quickly. If Thornton’s shoulder issues is going to cost him regular season tiime, the Patriots could place him on IR – where he’d have to miss the first four weeks – once rosters become official to then open up a roster spot to add another player off the practice squad.
Changes from 3.0: None
Tight ends (2)
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Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Mike Gesicki–Hunter Henry
Keeping just two tight ends initially still feels like it makes the most sense for the Patriots – especially with Gesicki returning to practice last week following a shoulder injury. Matt Sokol and Anthony Firkser will both probably contribute at some point this year, but the team should be able to get them to the practice squad first and either elevate them as needed or sign one once a player is placed on IR.