Primarily based on preseason enjoying time, it seems two Patriots veteran defenders are nonetheless attempting to earn roster spots.
Security Kyle Dugger and out of doors linebacker Anfernee Jennings, two long-time starters on the Patriots’ protection who signed contract extensions simply final yr, each performed into the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 20-12 preseason win over the Vikings. These snaps are often saved for younger roster hopefuls attempting crack the 53-man roster or observe squad.
“We solely have so many guys,” head coach Mike Vrabel stated after the sport. “There’s guys that didn’t journey, there’s guys that didn’t play, and we’ve to have 11 on the market each play.
“And so that is the third week of our first coaching camp as a training employees and as a workforce. That’s what I need all people to appreciate. That is the third week of our first yr, and we’ve to get this proper.”
Dugger closed out the sport with an interception ultimately zone, although he nearly fumbled. Jennings got here away with 2.5 sacks whereas enjoying towards Vikings third-stringers.
“Anfernee has been round, and once more, we’ve had actually good conversations,” Vrabel stated. “And also you attempt to draft some guys, and there’s some younger guys in right here, and it’s a superb steadiness. And to his credit score, he’s achieved nothing however compete in observe, earn reps, earn alternatives within the sport, and benefit from each one that he’s gotten — and in an element as we speak and even final week.”
The Patriots are putting in a brand new protection underneath Vrabel and coordinator Terrell Williams, and there’s a query of Dugger and Jennings’ match inside the new scheme.
Since Dugger’s $9.75 wage is assured, the Patriots can solely considerably trim cap area by buying and selling him, although that’s made much less seemingly by his excessive price ticket. Solely a portion of Jennings’ contract is assured.
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