FOXBOROUGH — Patriots held a closed walkthrough today (they'll have another on Tuesday after a padded session Monday), so it's another good time to check in on where the roster stands.
A couple of quick notes from practice:
• Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore were not present, which will probably put their availability for the Eagles joint practices (Wednesday, Thursday open to the public) in jeopardy. If they aren't healthy enough for a walkthrough...
• As we reported, Dre'Mont Jones was back on the field in his starting spot after leaving practice on Saturday. He's expected to be in pads on Monday.
• The Patriots took the unusual step of running the first-team offense and scout defense into the bubble during practice, away from the media. The starting defense and scout team offense stayed on the field. I’m told it was not to work on top-secret stuff (the everlasting gobstopper?!). From the blaring metal music, my guess is they were doing Seattle noise prep.
As far as my new 53-man roster, I don't have a whole lot of major changes, but we did welcome four new players to the 53.
I'm still trading Kayshon Boutte, but that could change.
I'm still going with two quarterbacks, but that could change if Behren Morton keeps turning in good performances.
On to our fourth version of the Patriots' projected 53-man roster:
Quarterback: Morton could still earn a spot if he shows more in the games that could get him claimed. I contemplated going with Morton over DT Eric Gregory, but status quo for now.
Running back: I think RB3 is still wide open. Hassan Haskins showed something in limited snaps the other night. JaMychal Hasty is solid and has been here before. I'm just not seeing it with Lan Larison. The guy screams practice squad to me. Jam Miller impressed the most vs. the Colts, and tie goes to a draft pick.
Guard/center: The Patriots only have four worth keeping, and that's simply not enough given Alijah Vera-Tucker's track record and the fact that injured Ben Brown is a better center than guard. I would expect, at a minimum, the Patriots to make at least one trade/claim at guard, and sign a couple to the practice squad.
Linebacker: Chad Muma looked really slow against the Colts, while KJ Britt was making plays all over the field. So we're switching them. Khalil Jacobs definitely belongs. I don't see this group changing anytime soon.
Cornerback: Channing Canada had a rough game after making a big move in practice. The fact that Kindle Vildor only played eight snaps against the Colts tells me he basically has a roster spot locked up.
Safety: Mike Brown was another veteran who looked slower on film. Meanwhile, John Saunders continues to impress, and it appeared he got elevated in Sunday's practice.
I think it would take another bad game for competition to arrive for Andy Borregales. But I would probably sign a kicker to the practice squad just to cover my bases.