New England Patriots - NESN.com
On Monday, the Patriots promoted rookies Bradyn Swinson and C.J. Dippre from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
But… why?
Sure, it could be about depth. Dippre, a tight end, could bolster a group that was without Austin Hooper (concussion) last week and doesn’t have a true third option due to Jack Westover playing fullback. And Swinson, an edge rusher, could help relieve veteran Harold Landry III, who looked to be running on fumes the last few weeks.
Well, there’s more to it, according to Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard.
“I was told in both instances, teams tried to poach them from the practice squad,” Bedard wrote in a piece published Monday. “That makes sense, but it leaves them short in other places. Another example of them not losing sight of the future. However, both players were very underwhelming in the summer. But that was three months ago.”
Swinson was a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, whereas Dippre went undrafted. Both players were cut after training camp but re-signed with New England’s practice squad, where they’ve quietly developed behind the scenes.
NFL teams are allowed to sign players from opposing practice squads to their active roster, but they must keep those players on their 53-man roster for a minimum of three weeks. As Bedard noted, the Patriots promoted Swinson and Dippre to prevent them from joining other teams. Thus, it’s fair to assume Mike Vrabel and company believe both rookies are worth keeping around.
The 9-2 Patriots will visit the 3-7 Bengals this Sunday.
