After making back-to-back starts, Tanner Arkin will be subject to the NFL’s claiming period.
The New England Patriots waived the rookie tight end from the 53-man roster on Monday and opened a spot on the practice squad by releasing outside linebacker Jose Ramirez.
Arkin, 23, entered the league as part of the organization’s undrafted class of 2026. The 6-foot-4, 262-pound former transfer from Colorado State to Illinois outlasted the league’s cutdown deadline after his preseason audition. He proceeded
to appear in seven games while on the active roster. The stay included 60 snaps on offense and 41 snaps on defense for Arkin.
The blocking tight end’s exit leaves New England’s depth chart in the hands of captain Hunter Henry, No. 95 overall pick Eli Raridon and August waiver claim Cameron Latu. A fourth option in Tanner Conner currently resides on scout team.
Ramirez, 27, had re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers off the 53-man roster in October. The 6-foot-2, 252-pound edge rusher first agreed to terms at Gillette Stadium in September after being let go by the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in two games upon being promoted, notching one solo tackle across 30 snaps between defense and special teams.
Selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of 2023 draft class at No. 196 overall, Ramirez checked into four games during his time in the NFC South. The former MAC Defensive Player of the Year by way of Arizona, Riverside City College and Eastern Michigan finished last campaign with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats before returning to the NFL on a futures contract in January.
Along with wide receiver Mack Hollins, Patriots opened offensive lineman Greg Van Roten’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve last week and now move forward with vacancies on both the 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad.
After falling to the Green Bay Packers in 45-27 fashion, head coach Mike Vrabel’s 5-4 team will soon travel to Germany to face the Detroit Lions. Next Sunday’s kickoff at FC Bayern Munich Stadium is set for 9:30 a.m. ET.
