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Training camp has now concluded as the Patriots wrap up the preseason on Friday night, so it's a good time to take stock. Not a ton will change with the final game, but injuries could be a factor. Remember, teams can elevate three players every week from the practice squad, with the ability to retain veterans, so it's basically a 56-man roster for a while.
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HIGHLIGHTS
- With the addition of Ezekiel Elliott, the running backs see some changes with two on and two off.
- We bid adieu to a few 2022 draftees.
- One fan favorite will have to go the practice squad route.
- Bedard cries uncle on Kayshon Boutte.
- One linebacker out, one surprise on.
LAST SEVEN OUT
54. TE Matt Sokol: I don't love the injury risk at TE, but I'm also not wasting a roster spot on just a guy.
55. LB Mack Wilson: Calvin Munson is in (he's on all special teams, maybe holding Cody Davis' spot) and Wilson didn't make the most of his chance vs. Packers.
56. G/T Bill Murray: Has added OT to the mix and would be fine on practice squad.
57. S Joshuah Bledsoe: Could get claimed but Patriots have enough safeties.
58. CB Shaun Wade: He's an all-league practice/summer player but doesn't carry over to games.
59. WR Maik Cunningham: Too late/too small for QB this year, and he's not even close at WR.
60. DE Sam Roberts: Love how this guy plays but you can find similar if need be.
THINKING OUT LOUD
- In Fantasyland, I would trade Juju Sanu, I mean, Smith-Schuster and hand the slot spot to Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas.
- Patriots should be starting this year with DeAndre Hopkins, Bourne, Douglas, Thornton, Boutte.
- Release 2022 RBs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris and look for others. Neither have stood out, but I'm keeping Strong for now purely due to draft class.
- There's not one on-field reason to keep Lil'Jordan Montgomery over JJ Taylor. The Montgomery experiment needs to stop. Taylor has done everything the Patriots have asked to get a real shot at third-down back.
- Kayshon Boutte has won me over. All he does is catch touchdown passes in practice, so he's the Patriots' Cris Carter. But if you're expecting a difference-maker this season, that's not happening. He's just a possession receiver for now.
- The Patriots only have two tight ends worth keeping ... shame they didn't draft one.
- Daniel Ekuale is still good at interior rusher to waive, but does Keion White change that?
UPDATED CHART
