With yesterday’s injury news on Shaq Mason, Sebastian Vollmer and Dion Lewis, along with two preseason games under our belt, it’s a good time to do a quick 53-man roster projection. The unfortunate bonus of having injuries like those popping up is that they potentially open up two more roster spots. Vollmer and Lewis can remain on the PUP list, costing them a minimum of the first six weeks of the season, but allowing the Pats to hang on to a couple guys they might’ve had to cut.
It’s also important to note that at this point, Monday August 22nd, the Pats have two open roster spots. So additions could be coming that will make these 53-man roster projection a little tougher. And even with the extra spots there’s still some tough decisions.
Here’s where I”m at with the R
Let’s start with mine.
QB (2) J.Garoppolo, J.Brissett — This one is easy. Brissett has shown good development and while it’d be scary if he had to play in those first four games, it would be fascinating to watch and he’d compete hard.
RB (5) L.Blount, J.White, T.Gaffney, B.Bolden, J.Develin — I just can’t put Donald Brown on the roster at this point because he’s been injured most of camp. Maybe he sneaks on somehow, but based on his ceiling I’m okay cutting him.
WR (6) J.Edelman, C.Hogan, D.Amendola, K.Martin, M.Mitchell, M.Slater — Fairly easy group here. Dobson isn’t making much of a push of late. He’s hanging by a string headed into these last two games.
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Bennett, A.Derby: Going with Derby here. Don’t care if he’s a little rough around the edges still. He’s an asset and one they need to hang on to.
C (1) D.Andrews: I love Stork but between the injuries and the stupid fighting stuff Andrews has just been the more steady guy and has consistently taken top reps.
G (4) S.Mason, J.Thuney, J.Cooper, J.Kline: Would love to get Cooper back asap. That would solidify this group, but if Kline has to start the season he’ll be okay.
T (4) N.Solder, M.Cannon, C.Fleming, L.Waddle: Fleming gets swapped in for Vollmer here. Very curious to see if Waddle gets some looks at RT now.
DE (5) R.Ninkovich, J.Sheard, C.Long, T.Flowers, G.Grissom: Great group with a little of everything.
DT (4) M.Brown, A.Branch, T.Knighton, A.Johnson: Valentine a tough cut, but I think he makes it to the PS. Knighton will bounce back and Johnson could be a very useful pass rush tool. You can’t get rid of guys who can get after the quarterback.
ILB(2) D.Hightower, J.Freeny: Elandon Roberts had a good second preseason game, but he’s not there yet. Freeny will see time on defense at some point. Not a huge fan.
OLB(3) J.Collins, S.McClellin, K.Grugier-Hill: KG-H won’t play defense but should be a good special teamer as a rookie. Still not sure if he’ll ever play defense.
CB (5) M.Butler, L.Ryan, J.Coleman, C.Jones, D.Roberts: Jonathan Jones and Roberts are neck and neck. I’ve had J Jones on here before, but after the last game Roberts takes the lead.
SS (3) P.Chung, J.Richards, B.King
FS (3) D.McCourty, D.Harmon, N.Ebner: Not a lot of questions about either safety spots. This seems like the locked group.
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona: Same
- SUS: Brady
- PUP: D. Lewis, T. Jackson, S. Vollmer
- PS Priority: V. Valentine, R. Johnson, J. Jones, B. Williams, T. Karras
Here’s how some of the guys had theirs, with the differences bolded:
Rick Starke:
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