Road to 53, v. 19.02: One 3x Super Bowl champion on outside now, with more likely to follow

Players are starting to get healthy and returning to the practice field, so that means more roster spots are in jeopardy. Plus we've had eight practices worth of data, so a few players are rising while a few more are falling.

All that adds up to a few changes from our last version, heading into the joint practices and first exhibition game against the Lions.

Let's break it all down, starting with our new depth charts:



CHANGES FROM LAST VERSION

WR Jakobi Meyers in, WR Dontrelle Inman out: This is strictly for performance. Meyers has been one of the better receivers in camp while Inman ... has he practiced? Haven't even noticed him. The bus is about to start. Inman needs to start making a move this week or sayonara.

James Ferentz in, Ted Karras out: Ferentz has been the best offensive lineman at 1-on-1s so far this summer, and Karras has been one of the worst. Karras is a little more versatile, but Ferentz has played very well so far in camp. Who does the team trust most should Joe Thuney need to be moved to tackle? I think it's very close at this point, but Hjalte Froholdt isn't ready yet.

Deatrich Wise activated from PUP, Keionta Davis out: Wise's roster spot may not last the entire summer if his knee doesn't improve rapidly. Davis seems to be a Bill Belichick favorite for some reason.

Derek Rivers in, Danny Shelton out: If we're keeping another edge player and not a Christian Sam or Calvin Munson at linebacker (very possible due to special teams) then the extra fat is from the interior defensive line. Byron Cowart has more potential and Shelton isn't valuable enough just for short yardage. Looks like only two or three DTs are going to be playing regularly.

Sony Michel activated from PUP, Duron Harmon out: OK, so this is the big surprise to this point. I don't think they're parting with any of the running backs (thanks to the three-year deal he signed last offseason, Burkhead is really not cuttable; that's like a Chris Sale-esque deal right now). I also don't want to cut bait with any of the receivers, even though Braxton Berrios and Phillip Dorsett could be out when Cam Meredith and Josh Gordon (if) return.

The next cuttable area, to me, is at safety. Harmon really has not had much to do with summer. Perhaps that's because they know what they have in him and want to test Terrence Brooks and Obi Melifonwu. Cutting Harmon would gain about $2.25 million in cap space. Is he really worth $4.75 million on this team?

NEXT UP ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK

Braxton Berrios: His only saving grace could be that he's the only ready backup for Julian Edelman. But that's it. He hasn't won a spot this camp. Very ordinary.

Phillip Dorsett: With the way they used him last season (or, more precisely, didn't use him), the Patriots obviously think they can do better than Dorsett.

Adam Butler: I've loved me some Butler since he was a rookie but, to this point, he looks average and slower. The Patriots might cut to bare bones at this spot if they think the linebackers are going to bring all the pressure.

Jason McCourty: This is a young man's position now on this roster and there's a lot of talent here that needs to sink or swim. McCourty was great for a bridge year, but they might not need it anymore. Or, at least, that's the hope.

Obi Melifonwu: Still not sure if he's a player — the exhibitions will be big — and the coaches may want to keep a Calvin Munson or Christian Sam instead for special teams.

Brian Hoyer: Jarrett Stidham seemed to make a little bit of a move at the end of last week. If that continues and the coaches get more comfortable, they might try to steal a roster spot here.

PLAYERS POSSIBLY AVAILABLE IN TRADES

Patriots have surpluses at a few spots. If other teams need help in some spots, these players have potential and could help.

LG Joe Thuney: You'd think he'd team a team-friendly deal to stay here but, if not, it might be time to move him if Froholdt looks ready. Redskins look to be the perfect team/sucker for Belichick to pull one over on.

CB Jonathan Jones: Would probably be a full-time starter by now with another team, but he's relegated to third corner status with the Patriots. He'll be a UFA after this season. A third-round pick now is better than a third comp in the 2021 draft. Maybe if a team is desperate, like the Lions this week, they might go for a second.

LB Elandon Roberts: In addition to Ja'Whaun Bentley, the Patriots also have Christian Sam and Calvin Munson who could use time here. Roberts is a solid player who would help Brian Flores immediately in Miami. Roberts will never be a full-time starter here.

D Duron Harmon: Anyone looking for a good, solid deep safety with good leadership ability and knows how to win?

P Ryan Allen: Turn on the Super Bowl tape. There has to be a team who needs a solid punter under pressure.

WR Phillip Dorsett: Get anything and move on if you're not going to play him.

DE Derek Rivers: Maybe they could swap him for another player who needs a fresh start.

DT Adam Butler: He belongs in a 4-3 so find him a good landing spot.