The Patriots kicked off Week 10 by making a series of roster moves on Monday, opening up a spot on their roster and two on the practice squad. They did this by releasing three players.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the team released interior offensive lineman James Ferentz from the 53-man roster. Ferentz began the season on the practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster two weeks ago after being elevated twice. He’s played in three games this year, starting against the Texans and Cowboys. Having been with the Patriots since 2017, he’s a candidate to land back on the practice squad.
Reiss added the Patriots have also released fullback Ben Mason and center Drake Jackson from the practice squad. Mason was a fifth-round pick by the Ravens in this year’s draft, but was waived at the end of camp and signed in New England. Jackson was an undrafted rookie this spring, and signed with the Patriots practice squad in mid-September after spending time with the Texans and Lions.
What will the Patriots do with their open roster spots? It’s worth noting the team has two players set to return from PUP this week, whose eligibility to return expires on Wednesday. Jarrett Stidham and Byron Cowart began practicing on Oct. 20, meaning if they are not activated by this Wednesday they will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season. Players have to be activated directly to the 53-man roster, they would have to be waived before being placed on the practice squad.
As for the two practice squad spots, one could be for Ferentz, as mentioned above. Reiss also suggested the Patriots could look to add a running back, after Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson both left Sunday’s game with head injuries.
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