The Patriots have taken the first steps toward filling out their practice squad.
New England on Wednesday announced the signings of seven practice squad members, all of whom were casualties of roster cutdown day.
The group includes one receiver, two running backs, and a defensive end who will essentially give the Patriots a bonus spot.
Patriots Sign 7 Players to Their Practice Squad
Here are New England’s initial practice squad members. All seven players participated in Wednesday’s practice.
- RB Kevin Harris
- WR Matt Landers
- RB Terrell Jennings
- DE Jotham Russell
- TE Mitchell Wilcox
- OL Liam Fornadel
- DB A.J. Thomas
Now, about that “bonus” player.
NFL teams are allowed to have 16 players on their practice squad. However, if one of the players is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, they don’t take up one of the 16 spots.
Russell, an Australian rugby player learning to play defensive end, is one of those players. He’d enable the Patriots to have as many as 17 players on their practice squad if they so choose.
Among the other players, Jennings, Fornadel, and Harris are the most intriguing. Jennings is an undrafted rookie running back who showed promise during training camp, whereas Fornadel is a versatile undrafted offensive lineman who also flashed during camp practices.
Harris was a surprise roster cut but will add value as a tough, solid running back with NFL experience.
Could More Practice Squad Players Be on the Way?
On Wednesday, the Patriots claimed four players off waivers: linebacker Curtis Jacobs, defensive tackle Eric Johnson, and offensive tackles Demontrey Jacobs and Zachary Thomas.
The Patriots then released four players to clear space for the waiver claims: cornerback Isaiah Bolden, defensive tackle Trysten Hill, receiver Jalen Reagor, and guard Michael Jordan.
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There’s still a chance that all four could stay with the Patriots.
Bolden would have to clear waivers before potentially joining New England’s practice squad. However, the other three are unrestricted free agents and can sign with the Patriots immediately if they so choose.
We’ll likely find out during Thursday’s practice whether Bolden, Reagor, Hill, or Jordan returned to the practice squad.