FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots must make five roster moves by Tuesday at 4 p.m., and eight players were absent from practice.
Those absentees could denote who is being moved off the Patriots’ roster before the 75-man cut.
Wide receiver Brandon LaFell, cornerback Darryl Roberts, fullback James Develin, linebacker Dane Fletcher, offensive linemen Marcus Cannon, Chris Barker and Bryan Stork, and defensive lineman Chris Jones were absent for practice.
Develin reportedly is being placed on injured reserve Tuesday, opening one roster spot. LaFell, Fletcher and Jones remain on the physically unable to perform list and could be moved to PUP/reserve to free up more roster spots. Richards reportedly is dealing with a potentially season-ending injury and also could be moved to injured reserve.
Barker, Cannon and Stork have dealt with injuries lately. Barker has a high ankle sprain, according to a source, and that could keep him out a few more weeks.
The Patriots reportedly traded for wide receiver Jalen Saunders from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, but he wasn’t on the practice field or in the locker room.
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
