Patriots release center Russell Bodine, re-sign James Ferentz
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
After just one week, the Patriots are parting ways with Russell Bodine, as they’ve released the veteran center and re-signed offensive lineman James Ferentz. The story was first reported by Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.
As is often the case with the Patriots’ roster-shuffling at the bottom of the depth charts, Bodine’s departure doesn’t necessarily mean the team is moving on for good. According to Mike Reiss, the “door is not closed” for Bodine to return to the Patriots later in the season.
The Patriots acquired Bodine from the Bills last Friday for a 2020 sixth-round pick. Ferentz, meanwhile, slides back in as the team’s backup center behind Ted Karras to start the season.
James Ferentz of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Ferentz, 30, is entering his fifth year as a pro after playing the past two seasons in New England. He spent the entire 2017 season on the Patriots’ practice squad, then signed to the 53-man roster last November. Ferentz played eight offensive snaps in 2018, all in Week 10 against the Titans. The Pats activated him for one other game, their Week 9 win over the Packers.
The surprising late-week shake-up underlines the team’s concerns about the depth along their offensive line. They also traded for tackle Korey Cunningham and guard/tackle Jermaine Eluemunor just before final roster cuts. Health and durability will be as crucial for this group as any on the team.
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 [email protected].
