Report: Patriots re-sign OL Cole Croston, place CB D’Angelo Ross on injured reserve
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots brought back a player and shelved another one on Monday, re-signing offensive lineman Cole Croston and placing rookie D’Angelo Ross on injured reserve. ESPN’s The Patriots have placed CB D’Angelo Ross on injured reserve and re-signed OL Cole Croston, per source. Ross, a UDFA out of New Mexico, had flashed in camp up to this point.
Croston practiced with the Patriots on Monday in his usual jersey number 74. The Patriots previously released Croston on July 30. Other than his recent two-week stretch as a free agent, Croston has been with the Patriots since signing as an undrafted rookie out of Iowa in 2017.
Ross, meanwhile, was also undrafted out of New Mexico. The rookie cornerback flashed legitimate coverage and ball skills when given the opportunity during training camp. if the Patriots weren’t so deep at corner, Ross would have had a good chance to make the 53-man roster. So Ross’ move to IR doesn’t change anything at that position.
May 23, 2019; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots defensive back D’Angelo Ross catches the ball during organized team activities at Gillette Stadium practice field. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
The Patriots can now redshirt Ross for his rookie season, like they’ve done with many others in recent years, and get another look at him next spring. There’s also the possibility that the Patriots activate him as early as Week 9 as one of their two designations to return from IR. It would probably take a deluge of injuries at cornerback to find room for Ross this season.
Croston, though, should have a real chance at making the 53-man roster with the lack of depth at tackle. Right now, Isaiah Wynn and Dan Skipper look like the only sure things on the left side in addition to right tackle Marcus Cannon. Croston would be a logical choice to back up Cannon, especially if rookie OL Yodny Cajuste ends up on IR himself.
The Patriots also traded for tight end Eric Saubert from the Falcons on Monday. They’ll need to make a corresponding release in order to make room for him on the 90-man roster. That move has yet to be announced or reported.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
