With three preseason games in the books and the regular season rapidly approaching, tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are required to start trimming their 80-man training camp rosters.
The first cut requires teams merely to get to 75 players, with the big one coming Saturday, when 53-man rosters are set.
So let’s take a look at the players on the Patriots’ roster, and which will remain come Saturday (* — denotes rookie):
QUARTERBACK
On the roster: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Zac Robinson*
Brady, now in his 11th season, is still one of the very best, and this preseason has looked as good as ever. Despite his contract status, The Franchise has been on the field for every practice and seems invigorated by the possibilities offered by the new tight ends. Hoyer has a full season under his belt and is more confident, though clearly he is untested if he were to be needed. But so was Matt Cassel once upon a time. Robinson clearly needs more time to learn, which he could get on the practice squad.
Who stays: Brady, Hoyer
RUNNING BACK
On the roster: Thomas Clayton, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Chris Taylor, Fred Taylor
Going without a bell cow makes sense given the pounding running backs can take, but the team should have a front-runner, and right now it is unclear who that would be. Fred Taylor and Morris might be the most productive runners, but both dealt with injuries last year. Bill Belichick said Friday that Maroney can “absolutely’’ help the Patriots this season, but his lack of carries in the preseason is a head-scratcher. The ageless Faulk, as always, will be called upon several times a game for a catch or carry.
Who stays: Faulk, Green-Ellis, Maroney, Morris, Fred Taylor
WIDE RECEIVER
On the roster: Sam Aiken, Julian Edelman, Buddy Farnham*, Darnell Jenkins, Randy Moss, Rod Owens*, Taylor Price*, Matthew Slater, Brandon Tate, Wes Welker
Welker’s recovery is nothing short of remarkable, and a contract-seeking Moss is lethal. Edelman can make things happen with the ball, and Tate gives the Patriots the return man they didn’t have last year. Price’s preseason has been unremarkable, but he is in no danger of being cut. The big decision will be between special teams aces Aiken and Slater for the final spot. Aiken gets the nod because of his experience and Slater’s inactivity because of injury.
Who stays: Aiken, Edelman, Moss, Price, Tate, Welker
TIGHT END
On the roster: Carson Butler, Alge Crumpler, Rob Gronkowski*, Aaron Hernandez*, Rob Myers
