The New England Patriots returned to the fields behind Gillette Stadium on Monday for their 20th practice of the summer, and their final session ahead of the NFL’s roster deadline. By Tuesday 4 p.m. ET, they and the rest of the league will need to be below the 53-player threshold.
How New England will get there remains to be seen, but their practice attendance on Monday might give us some further clues. In total, 13 players were missing — a net increase of two compared to Sunday’s session.
Wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne and Efton Chism, running back Terrell Jennings, offensive lineman Cole Strange, linebackers Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai and Jack Gibbens, cornerback Christian Gonzalez and safety Marcus Epps returned as non-participants on Monday. Joining them on the list of absentees were roster-exempt defensive lineman David Olajiga, edge Bradyn Swinson and cornerback Kobee Minor.
Guard Layden Robinson, who was not spotted on Sunday, has since been waived with an injury designation. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick will revert to New England’s injured reserve list if not claimed off waivers.
Mike Vrabel met with the media ahead of Monday’s session, and at one point was asked specifically about Gonzalez’s absence.
“He’s working hard to get healthy,” the Patriots’ first-year head coach explained. “I think that’s what I try to remind you guys all the time, that will be my stance on injuries, that I’m confident that the players are working hard and they’re doing what they’re asked to do. Once they recover from something that they’re working through — especially if it’s been in training camp, if you look at this specific situation, there is some conditioning that’s involved. I think that’s probably different for each guy.
“In my own personal experience, you can only ride the bike so long or do the stair climb or something. You actually have to come out and put pads on, run, and get into football conditioning. Whatever that takes, that takes. I’ve said that to every player that is not out there with us right now.”
In order to get their roster to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon, the Patriots have several avenues available. One of them is sending players to injured reserve, including two who can be classified as eligible to return.
As of Monday afternoon, New England’s active roster stands at 76 players.
