Updated
Updated · Boston.com · Aug 23
Patriots Near 53-Man Cut as Vildor, Larison Boost Roster Cases
Updated
Updated · Boston.com · Aug 23

Patriots Near 53-Man Cut as Vildor, Larison Boost Roster Cases

1 articles · Updated · Boston.com · Aug 23

Summary

  • Aug. 30’s 53-man deadline is sharpening New England’s roster battle, with Kindle Vildor and Lan Larison emerging after another strong preseason showing against Philadelphia.
  • Vildor followed his opener interception with 3 pass breakups, while Larison strengthened his RB3 bid with 33 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 3 catches for 41 yards.
  • Behren Morton also helped his case by going 13-of-17 for 129 yards and a game-winning touchdown with 57 seconds left, while receiver Chism caught all 4 targets for 45 yards.
  • Namdi Obiazor added a fourth-down end-zone breakup, but Caleb Lomu, Gabe Jacas, and Yasir Durant Hudson hurt their standing with uneven protection, penalties, and missed blocks.
  • The evaluations come with depth concerns at corner, linebacker, and edge, making Thursday’s preseason finale in Cleveland the last chance for bubble players to secure spots.

Insights

Can unexpected standouts like Behren Morton secure a roster spot, or will their preseason illusions fade before cutdown day?
After a disastrous preseason showing, is time officially up for struggling Patriots veterans fighting for their NFL careers?
With a razor-thin roster, will Mike Vrabel trust unproven rookies or scour the waiver wire to save the Patriots' season?