New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots roster bubble has grown crowded with just one preseason game left.
Every summer, NFL teams trim rosters from 90 to 53 — a cutdown that often leaves proven names vulnerable.
That competition now includes Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, Cole Strange and Kyle Dugger.
Bourne’s situation is complicated. A steady presence since 2021, he faces questions about health and production. The 30-year-old has fought injuries in camp and has been forced to watch as younger Patriots wideouts push for snaps. Still, his veteran experience makes him hard to dismiss outright.
Baker is the flip side. The second-year wideout impressed early in camp, flashing highlight plays, but his preseason games have been inconsistent. He finished with just one catch on seven targets and added a costly false start against Minnesota.
With Bourne sidelined, Baker may get one last chance in the Patriots preseason finale Thursday night against the New York Giants.
Strange’s grip on a roster spot has weakened significantly of late. Once considered a core piece of the offensive line, the former first-round pick has been leapfrogged by rookie Jared Wilson. Limited versatility and a string of injuries now leave him at risk despite his draft pedigree.
Then there is Dugger, who has rotated with the second unit after an injury-marred 2024. Though he signed a lucrative extension prior to that campaign, his role under new leadership remains in flux.
Four names, four questions as cutdown day looms.
