Following their two waiver claims, we now have a better idea of the 53-man roster that the Patriots will carry into Week 1. As always, things are subject to change, but the waiver wire and subsequent clearing of waivers to open the door for practice squad signings were the next big checkpoint.
**Patriots Sign 12 to Practice Squad**
Along with their two waiver claims, the Patriots have also filled 12 of their 17 practice squad spots with more to come, most of whom were in training camp with the team this summer. Here's a rundown of the players who are currently signed to New England's 17-man practice squad.
P Mitch Wishnowsky - the Patriots needed short-term insurance for top P Bryce Baringer, who avoided injured reserve but his status is unknown for Week 1 after a preseason injury. Wishnowsky appeared in 13 games for the Bills last season with a 41.8 net average.
RB Lan Larison - After being one of the team's final cuts, Larison is back with the Patriots on the practice squad. There's still upside for Larison as a sub-package back (gun runs, pass-game) and special teams player/returner. A good get for the Pats to keep him in the building.
RB Hassan Haskins - Haskins joined the Patriots during camp and was in the mix for the RB3 role before it went to trade acquisition Corey Kiner. Haskins's inclusion on the practice squad is notable because he could be the next man up if there's an injury to one of the top-three backs due to his bruising running style.
CB Kindle Vildor - Vildor made his pitch for the active roster with three PBUs on one series vs. the Eagles in the preseason and was in the mix for a backup role at corner.
S Mike Brown - Brown was brought in as a free agent to bolster the depth at safety. He showed well early in camp and the spring as a box/nickel safety but it didn't stick late into the summer.
WR Kyle Dixon - Dixon was one of the Patriots top undrafted free-agent signings this offseason but was banged up throughout camp. He came on late with eight catches for 71 yards in the third preseason game and is a good athlete with some developmental traits. After an injury limited him in camp, it makes sense to get a longer look at Dixon on the practice squad.
WR Cameron Dorner - Dorner was near the top of my list among the Patriots cuts to bring back on the practice squad (along with Larison). He would've been more of a story if the Pats weren't so deep at receiver. Dorner was a consistent slant-winner and flashed the ability to win the ball downfield on vertical routes. I like his game.
DT Eric Gregory - Gregory was in the mix to make the roster as a run-stuffing nose tackle. He had some ups and downs in the preseason. He can clog rushing lanes and press-and-shed his way off blocks. But the minus plays mostly came from getting beat on outside zone. His body type, though, is a little different from the DTs on the active roster.
DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.- Pharms always flashes in camp as an interior pass-rusher, whether that's during 1-on-1s or registering five total pressures in the preseason. Depth if they need to boost the interior pass rush.
C Jacob Rizy - Rizy operated as a backup center for the Patriots in training camp and was a bit shaky when elevated to the second unit. Still, keeping center depth around for scout-team reps is common.
LB Riley Wilson - Wilson flashed when playing downhill as a run defender and blitzer this summer. The plays in space were inconsistent but he could develop as a thumper.
OT Lorenz Metz - As an international pathway program player, Metz doesn't count toward the practice squad limit as a 17th member – an extra offensive tackle to fill out the scout team.