Injuries have created serious need at the interior offensive line positions for the New England Patriots, with opening night in Seattle just over three weeks away.
Thursday’s preseason opener sent stock rising for rookie running back Jam Miller and veteran linebacker K.J. Britt, while rookies Tanner Arkin, at tight end, and linebacker Namdi Obiazor may have slipped a bit.
Here’s an updated look at how we see the initial 53-man roster shaking out right now.
Offense
Quarterback (3):Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, Behren Morton. We added the rookie in this update simply because the team may need him as insurance.
Running Backs (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Jam Miller, Reggie Gilliam. Give the rookie Miller credit. He saw opportunity and pounced on it Thursday night. Now he will have to hold off the two veterans signed last week.
Tight Ends (3): Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin. Wouldn’t be surprised if Arkin is actually a practice-squadder, and the team hits the waiver wire for TE3.
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Wide Receivers (6):A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams. The bad news for Efton Chism is that he could easily be sneaked onto the practice squad, so he may be the odd man out.
Offensive Line (8): Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Marcus Bryant, Dametrious Crownover. Again, keep an eye on the waiver wire here. The team needs help inside with Ben Brown’s injury. He may make the 53-man, then be place on IR with chance to return later.
Defense
Interior Line (6): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, Josh Farmer, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms. No change in this group, although the Barmore injury front is worth keeping an eye on.
Edge (5): Harold Landry, Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, Gabe Jacas. Landry’s health will be a focal point. He’s been spotted more recently at camp, so that’s a good thing.
Linebackers (5): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Khalil Jacobs, K.J. Britt, Chad Muma. The one guy who turned heads on defense Thursday night was Britt, who edges ahead of both Namdi Obiazor and Muma for the last spot or two.
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Defensive Backs (9): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Marcus Jones, Karon Prunty, Charles Woods, Dell Pettus, Channing Canada. Woods’ return to practice this week is a good sign to go with Davis being back on the field for this group, which will be cornerback heavy to start the year.
Special Teams
Let’s hope Thursday night was the outlier for kicker Andy Borregales, who missed three field goal attempts. Punter Bryce Baringer, cover man Brenden Schooler and long-snapper Julian Ashby, who also returned from injury, are rock solid.
