The New England Patriots wrap up their preseason Thursday night in Cleveland as they take on the Browns.
After sitting out of the first two preseason games, Drake Maye and the Patriots top regulars are again currently not expected to suit up with health a priority entering the season.
“I do not think we have a very deep team, so I think we have to make sure that we are preparing our football team and that we are doing everything that we can to keep our best players available,“ head coach Mike Vrabel said following Saturday’s preseason contest.
As for who we will be watching closely with cutdown day on the horizon, here are 10 players on our radar.
Running back: Hassan HaskinsThe injuries continued to pile up in the Patriots’ running back room this week, as Lan Larison and Jam Miller were in and out of practice before TreVeyon Henderson suffered a foot/ankle injury Monday. While Larison returned Tuesday in a red non-contact jersey and Miller remained very limited, the duo’s availability for Thursday night is unknown. That could lead to a heavy workload for Hassan Haskins, who may already be the in-house favorite for the RB3 job.
Wide receiver: UDFAsThe Patriots likely don’t need to see much more from second-year wide receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. While the team may use Thursday night as an opportunity to simply get them more reps, the duo has long appeared locked onto the roster — a standing that was seemingly solidified by the Kayshon Boutte trade this week.
New England will now need to decide which wide receivers stick around on the practice squad after losing John Jiles, who was released, and Jeremiah Webb, who landed on injured reserve, from last year’s unit. Nick DeGennaro appears to be the leading candidate after a strong summer that included catching the game-winning touchdown last week. Cameron Dorner has also shown an ability to create separation and generate explosive plays, while Kyle Dixon’s size gives him an intriguing tool to bring to the practice squad.
Tight end: Tanner ArkinA strong start to the summer has slowed down for undrafted tight end Tanner Arkin. In his fairness, Arkin has taken on fullback duties in game action, but he has continued to struggle as a lead blocker. It would be good to see more of Arkin blocking in-line Thursday night — a strength of his game at Illinois — as the Patriots look to fill the void left by free-agent addition Julian Hill.
Offensive line: Caleb LomuIt’s been an inconsistent summer for first-round pick Caleb Lomu. The rookie has continued to cross-train at both tackle spots but has struggled in preseason action, particularly when it comes to handling line games and overextending himself into blocks. Coming to New England from Utah’s RPO-heavy scheme is a significant adjustment for the 28th overall pick, which is why many believed he would be best suited to begin his rookie season on the bench. Lomu will look to end his preseason on a high note in Cleveland, but that may be where things are trending.
We’ll also highlight fellow rookie tackle Dametrious Crownover, who has impressed with his ability to generate push in the run game. The sixth rounder remains a bit raw in pass pro, but his size and physical tools may not be worth exposing to waivers.
Edge rusher: Gabe Jacas and Q HutchinsIn a similar fashion to first-round pick Caleb Lomu, inconsistencies have also followed second-round pick Gabe Jacas. While things started to pick up midway through the summer, the game is still moving quickly for Jacas after missing the entire spring and start of training camp. The coaching staff remains high on the rookie due to his raw power and physicality, but he still has a ways to go.
“When you come in at this time — didn’t have the spring — we do a lot on defense, right, and so you get a young player like that, we’re just getting them lined up,” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said. “Getting them lined up, know the defense, do your job, be in the right position. When he starts mastering that now you got to start working [on everything else].”
Fellow rookie rusher Q Hutchins, meanwhile, has stacked days late in camp after ending preseason game No. 2 with a strip sack. Hutchins brings a speed element to New England’s edge room that nobody else possesses and will look to continue his push for a 53-man roster spot with a strong preseason finale.
Linebacker: Namdi ObiazorMike Vrabel’s comments about depth issues resonate at linebacker, where neither veteran K.J. Britt nor Chad Muma, nor any of the younger options, has truly ascended the depth chart. Undrafted free agent Khalil Jacobs was impressive before suffering an injury last week, which opens the door for sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor to see extensive time in Cleveland. Obiazor has been a core special teams player this offseason, which could also open the door to a roster spot.
Cornerback: Kindle Vildor and Karon PruntyCharles Woods’ usage this summer and absence from preseason games have appeared to position him as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart. Behind him, veteran Kindle Vildor and rookie Karon Prunty have established themselves as the next-best options and will look to build off strong preseason performances against the Eagles. But is there a spot on the roster for both in a cornerback room that already features Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, Carlton Davis and Woods?
Punter: Matt HaackThe Patriots signed Haack this week following an injury to starting punter Bryce Baringer. It’s unclear whether Baringer’s injury will force him to miss the start of the regular season or if Haack will be called upon in Week 1. If so, Thursday night will give the 32-year-old lefty his first opportunity to punt in live action for the Patriots as he continues to acclimate to the team.
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