Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots wrap up a short week Thursday night against the New York Giants in their preseason finale.
As New England ended practice on Tuesday, Drake Maye led the starting offense and defense through sprints while scout-team work took place on the adjacent field — perhaps previewing Mike Vrabel’s plans in terms of playing time in preseason game No. 3.
So, with roster cuts right around the corner, the focus shifts to those on the bubble Thursday night. Here are 12 of those players we’ll specifically be watching.
As Lan Larison landed on injured reserve and Terrell Jennings has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury in New England’s running back room, Hasty re-signed with New England just over two weeks ago and fit in rather seamlessly. He ran the ball well in the preseason game against Minnesota while he real value comes in multiple facets of the kicking game — where he had a key block on Marcus Jones’ long punt return against the Vikings.
Hasty will have one more opportunity to take advantage of the limited depth in the running back Thursday night, where he could earn himself RB4 duties.
Despite not practicing this week, wide receiver Javon Baker reportedly made the trip with the team to New York, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, which opens the door for him to potentially suit up. With additional injuries across the depth chart, Baker would have ample opportunities on offense to make one last push for New England’s seventh wide receiver position. His work on special teams can also continue to help his cause.
Of note elsewhere in the wide receiver room, Kendrick Bourne, who has been out since Aug. 1 after getting rolled up on, also made the trip to New York.
New England still must answer who their Week 1 starting left guard and center is between Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, and Ben Brown. But with starters likely not suiting up, the focus shifts to the roster bubble along the backup offensive line.
While Marcus Bryant and Vederian Lowe appear to be the top two reserve tackles, competition remains along the interior. Last year’s third-round pick Caedan Wallace has exclusively played guard this summer but could provide tackle versatility in a pinch. One spot could be up for grabs between him and Sidy Sow, while Cole Strange has been leapfrogged by Ben Brown on the depth chart.
Depending how many offensive lineman New England plans to keep on their 53-man roster, just one or two spots could be up for grabs between the three.
The pair of young edge rushers have both flashed throughout the summer, and the way outside linebacker coach Mike Smith talked about Ponder this week may signal New England plans to keep the UDFA around. Both Jones and Ponder may have already worked themselves onto the...
