Nine Players To Watch In Patriots’ Preseason Finale Against Giants
Can someone steal a roster spot?
The New England Patriots will conclude their preseason schedule with a primetime matchup against the New York Giants on Thursday.
It’ll be… less important than their other two exhibitions.
We already know about the list of non-participants, while starters shouldn’t receive anything more than one series that will serve as their final dress rehearsal before the start of the regular season. It’s a decent opportunity to look at some of the depth pieces who are expected to make the roster, however.
I’ll have eyes on these nine players, in particular:
S Kyle Dugger (No. 23)
I’ve been monitoring this Kyle Dugger situation just like everyone else, but for some reason I just don’t believe he’ll be outright released. Dugger has played deep into these preseason games, but that contract makes it extremely unlikely that he’s moved over the coming days.
The Patriots will just have to pay the guy to serve in a diminished role, which isn’t so bad.
K Andy Borregales (No. 36) and K John Parker Romo (No. 37)
Andy Borregales and John Parker Romo are battling it out in what has been a very legitimate kicking competition this summer — and this one is for all the marbles.
Borregales has the pedigree, entering the battle with an advantage due to his status as a recent draft pick. Romo has been much more consistent, though, in both practices and exhibitions.
I’d like to argue for the more consistent player, but these things just don’t work that way. The Patriots will almost certainly do everything in their power to take the younger, cheaper, higher-upside option — so the kid probably just needs to avoid disaster in this one.
EDGE Elijah Ponder (No. 91)
“It’s just remarkable — that is another one that has an extremely bright future, probably one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups that I’ve ever seen.”
Elijah Ponder clearly has fans within the walls One Patriot Place…
Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith gushed about the dude this week — as did a certain handsome writer several months ago. If you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your chance to see a potential difference-maker in the early stages of his career.
OL Caedan Wallace (No. 70)
Caedan Wallace is perhaps the most forgotten member of this team, having made the move to guard and almost immediately fallen into irrelevance when it comes to the battle for a roster spot along the offensive line.
I don’t know, is that harsh?
Wallace is a decent player, but this team doesn’t really have the time to wait for him to develop in favor of ready-made interior options like Cole Strange or Layden Robinson. It’ll take a big-time performance for him to earn a roster spot — though the lack of depth in that unit might promise him one, anyway.
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RB JaMycal Hasty (No. 39)
JaMycal Hasty can’t do a single thing to earn a spot on this roster, but he can do enough to latch on somewhere else.
I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have a memorable performance in this one, adding his name to a long list of preseason darlings like Ralph Webb, Nick Brossette and Richard Medlin.
TE Cole Fotheringham (No.49)
Jack Westover and Cole Fotheringham seem to be battling for early-season reps at fullback — and though neither is expected to make the roster, they can be elevated from the practice squad as many as three times.
Westover is the current leader in the clubhouse for that role, having played really well across the first two preseason games, but he’ll miss this one with an ankle injury.
Fotheringham might be able to sneak his way into a few more paychecks with a solid performance.
LB Marte Mapu (No. 15)
Marte Mapu isn’t going to see much time on the defensive side of the ball should he make this roster, but he has remained an integral part of the special teams units whenever he’s been healthy.
I’d imagine they throw him into the deep end against New York.
It’s time to sink or swim.
WR Javon Baker (No. 6)
Javon Baker is another veteran to these lists, as we’ve all been awaiting a translation of his practice highlights to game situations.
*insert gif of the old lady from The Titanic*
Baker still has an outside shot at making this roster, especially if a trade/injury designation materializes for either Kendrick Bourne or Ja’Lynn Polk. The Patriots won’t want to keep seven wide receivers, but can he force their hand?
