The New England Patriots’ roster bubble has grown crowded with just one preseason game left.
Every summer, NFL teams trim rosters from 90 to 53 — a cut down that often leaves proven names vulnerable.
“Basically for these players, they’re more competing against each other as much as they are the other players at their position to prove who can be the most helpful to the team,” Alex Barth wrote for 98.5 The Sports Hub. That competition now includes Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, Cole Strange and Kyle Dugger.
Bourne’s situation is complicated. A steady presence since 2021, he faces questions about health and production. The 30-year-old has fought injuries in camp and has been forced to watch as younger Patriots wideouts push for snaps. Still, his veteran experience makes him hard to dismiss outright.
Baker is the flip side. The second-year wideout impressed early in camp, flashing highlight plays, but his preseason games have been inconsistent. Against Minnesota, he finished with just one catch on seven targets and added a costly false start.
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His inconsistency “might have moved him swiftly down the depth chart once again,” as Sara Marshall noted for Musket Fire. With Bourne sidelined, Baker may get one last chance in the Patriots preseason finale Thursday night against the New York Giants.
Strange’s grip on a roster spot has weakened significantly of late. Once considered a core piece of the offensive line, the former first-round pick has been leapfrogged by rookie Jared Wilson. Limited versatility and a string of injuries now leave him at risk despite his pedigree.
Then there is Dugger, who has rotated with the second unit after an injury-marred 2024. Though he signed a lucrative extension, his role under new leadership remains in flux.
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Four names, four questions and cutdown day looming.