With the preseason wrapped up and training camp behind them, the New England Patriots are shifting into the high-stakes phase of finalizing their 53-man roster. After Thursday’s 42-10 blowout loss to the New York Giants in the preseason finale, it’s clear that depth—or the lack of it—will play a major role in shaping this team.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed on Friday that 14 players had already been informed that their time with the team was over. While preseason losses aren’t always indicative of regular-season performance, this one exposed glaring gaps in the roster. Backups were on the field for much of the game, and most of the starters were sidelined, watching from the bench. For many players on the bubble, Thursday’s game wasn’t just another exhibition—it was their last audition.
Here’s a closer look at some of the first roster cuts:
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LB RJ Moten
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DT Kyle Peko
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RB Shane Watts
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DB Jordan Polk
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TE Jaheim Bell
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QB Ben Wooldridge
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CB Isaiah Bolden
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G Tyrese Robinson
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TE Cole Fotheringham
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RB Micah Bernard
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WR Phil Lutz
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LB Monty Rice
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G Sidy Sow
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DT Philip Blidi
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K John Parker Romo
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OT Demontrey Jacobs
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CB Miles Battle
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CB Brandon Crossley
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G Layden Robinson
These initial moves only scratch the surface, as the Patriots have until Tuesday, August 26, at 4 p.m. ET to trim their roster to the league-mandated 53 players. Expect more names to follow as the team evaluates both performance and potential.
What Thursday’s Loss Revealed
The Giants game was rough. While starters got a breather, the backup unit was visibly overmatched. Missed assignments, sloppy tackling, and lack of chemistry were glaringly apparent. For Vrabel and his coaching staff, these moments weren’t just frustrating—they were instructional. Performance in the preseason, especially in the final game, heavily influences who earns a roster spot.
Players like Shane Watts and Ben Wooldridge, for instance, were likely on the bubble heading in. The game provided the coaching staff a clear lens to assess their readiness, athleticism, and football IQ. For younger players or undrafted rookies, this is make-or-break territory.
53-Man Roster Projections
Patriots Wire recently released its projections for the final 53-man roster following the preseason finale. While exact decisions are fluid, here are some things to keep in mind:
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Depth at linebacker and defensive back remains a key concern.
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Offensive line adjustments are expected, especially after evaluating young players in live action.
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Special teams positions, including kicker and punter, are always under scrutiny, and John Parker Romo’s release shows the competition is fierce.
Why These Cuts Matter
For fans, roster cuts might seem like a minor transaction, but they’re critical for setting the tone of the season. The Patriots have been in “rebuild and reload” mode in recent years, and every decision reflects the team’s priorities: depth, versatility, and readiness to compete on Sundays.
Cutting players isn’t just about performance—it’s about fit. Vrabel wants players who buy into the culture, execute consistently, and can step in at multiple positions if needed. That’s why some standout athletes might still get cut if they don’t align with the team’s long-term vision.
Key Deadlines
All NFL teams must finalize their rosters by Tuesday, August 26, at 4 p.m. ET, including the Patriots. This deadline is a hard stop, and after that, the team must operate strictly within the 53-player limit. Following these cuts, practice squad decisions will also be announced, giving some of the released players a chance to stick around in a developmental role.
Patriots Regular Season Schedule
Once the roster is set, the regular season kicks off quickly. Here’s a look at the Patriots’ schedule, starting with Week 1:
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Sunday, Sept. 7: Patriots vs. Raiders
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Sunday, Sept. 14: Patriots at Dolphins
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Sunday, Sept. 21: Patriots vs. Steelers
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Sunday, Sept. 28: Patriots vs. Panthers
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Sunday, Oct. 5: Patriots at Bills
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Sunday, Oct. 12: Patriots at Saints
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Sunday, Oct. 19: Patriots at Titans
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Sunday, Oct. 26: Patriots vs. Browns
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Sunday, Nov. 2: Patriots vs. Falcons
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Sunday, Nov. 9: Patriots at Buccaneers
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Thursday, Nov. 13: Patriots vs. Jets
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Sunday, Nov. 23: Patriots at Bengals
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Monday, Dec. 1: Patriots vs. Giants
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Bye Week: TBD
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Sunday, Dec. 14: Patriots vs. Bills
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Sunday, Dec. 21: Patriots at Ravens
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Sunday, Dec. 28: Patriots at Jets
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TBD: Patriots vs. Dolphins
What to Watch
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Quarterback Battle: If Vrabel decides to give a backup QB extended reps, the preseason showed who can handle pressure and who struggles.
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Rookie Impact: Keep an eye on any rookies who flashed potential. They could become key contributors, especially on special teams or in rotational roles.
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Defensive Depth: The team needs reliable backups at linebacker and corner. Thursday’s game highlighted which players might not be ready for prime time.
Final Thoughts
For Patriots fans, the next few days will be intense. Every roster move matters, and with limited spots, even small mistakes can be costly. While preseason stats are one thing, coaches also weigh intangibles like effort, football IQ, and adaptability.
Vrabel and his staff now face a challenging task: deciding who stays and who goes while keeping an eye on the long-term health of the team. For the players, it’s a mix of nerves, hope, and determination—some will get their chance to shine, others will have to find a new path.
The countdown is on. By Tuesday, August 26, 4 p.m. ET, the Patriots will officially reveal their 53-man roster. Until then, fans can expect updates, rumors, and perhaps a few surprises. One thing is clear: the preseason is over, and the real battles are just beginning.
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