D.J. James (left) took advantage of extra reps during training camp with the Patriots.
D.J. James (left) took advantage of extra reps during training camp with the Patriots.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The Patriots waived cornerback D.J. James on Tuesday.
If James clears waivers, he will be eligible to return to New England’s practice squad.
The 24-year-old James, who was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in September 2024, flashed during training camp, regularly intercepting and breaking up passes. He took advantage of extra reps as a result of Christian Gonzalez’s absence.
Coach Mike Vrabel called James one of the team’s most improved players since he voluntarily participated in rookie minicamp this season as a second-year player.
James played just seven snaps, two on defense and five on special teams, in the season opener against the Raiders. With Gonzalez sidelined, Alex Austin played 100 percent of the snaps on the boundary opposite Carlton Davis. Marcus Jones, typically the Patriots’ slot cornerback, also can play on the perimeter.
By releasing James, the Patriots are putting faith in Charles Woods and Corey Ballentine to round out their depth chart at cornerback. Woods was inactive on Sunday because of a groin injury, while Ballentine was elevated to the active roster for game day and played zero snaps on defense and 20 on special teams.
Pharms is back
The Patriots brought back defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms, signing him to the practice squad. The team had waived Pharms on Saturday . . . Former Patriots left guard Cole Strange has a new home. The 2022 first-round pick is signing with the Dolphins, after spending 12 days on the Browns’ practice squad. It’s possible Strange could suit up Sunday against his former team, given Miami’s injuries across the offensive line . . . Former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers also has a new home, as he is expected to sign with the Steelers. After the Patriots released Peppers last week, he wrote on social media, “Going on nine years in this league. I’ve had seven head coaches and six defensive coordinators. There is no scheme you can place me in where I won’t find a way to be effective.”
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.