Patriots' Road to 53, v. 20.02: Covid opt-outs rattle the depth chart

There could still be more COVID-19 opt-outs that could change this list — they haven't set an official deadline for that yet — but it's time to update some things, but there are some big changes.

More are sure to come. As far as the openings for veterans players, I expect the Patriots to sign TE Delanie Walker at some point. It would be a natural fit, and he has more left in the tank than Alge Crumpler did in 2010.

The new 53:





Changes, and some of these I'm not sold on quite yet:

Brian Hoyer to the practice squad and one of the four protected spots: Bought me an extra roster spot, which I needed. It might ultimately come from WR or RB, depending on what happens on the field.

UDFA J.J. Taylor for Brandon Bolden: Patriots need an understudy for James White, who will be a free agent after this season.

WR Jeff Thomas on the 53: No open spot, it's just that you can't teach speed and the Patriots need much more of it. As long as he's not a knucklehead, he should be in good shape.

Ryan Izzo for LaCosse, Jakob Johnson for Vitale: Even swap at TE and FB pending the addition of a veteran TE (Walker).

Korey Cunningham for Cannon, Justin Herron on the 53: Pending a veteran signing at tackle, the Patriots can't afford right now to go with three. Herron has guard/tackle ability.

John Simon to the 53: Anfernee Jennings and Brandon Copeland will likely spend more time at linebacker with Hightower gone, so the veteran is back on the team to steady the edge.

No replacement for Chung: Patriots have plenty with Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Cody Davis/Terrence Brooks, plus a number of corners (Jason McCourty, Joejuan Williams) can play safety.  Could steal a roster spot that way.

Will have more on this in the coming days once we know the roster is firm.