Two on, two off Patriots roster in latest series of moves
The Patriots roster got a shakeup on Friday, with two players signed and two players released.
Prior to Friday’s training camp practice the Patriots made a series of roster moves, adding two players while releasing two others. The new players were on the field for Friday’s practice, but the moves weren’t announced until later in the afternoon.
The additions to the Patriots roster were offensive lineman Kellen Diesch and safety A.J. Thomas. To make room on the roster the team released offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and running back Deshaun Fenwick.
Diesch’s signing was reported earlier in the day by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. A UDFA in 2022 Diesch has spent time on four teams’ practice squads but has yet to appear in an NFL game. Given the Patriots’ lack of depth at tackle though, he could compete for a backup job this camp.
The signing of Diesch replaces Wheatley, who wasn’t at practice on Thursday before being released. The Patriots acquired Wheatley last summer in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Wheatley Jr. appeared in two games for the Patriots, but spent most of the season on IR.
Friday’s other addition was Thomas, who comes to the Patriots after a very successful spring with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. Thomas was tied for the league lead with three interceptions, and was named All-UFL at the end of the season. The 24-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears. The Patriots have been thin at safety this summer, especially with Marte Mapu not practicing.
To make room for Thomas the Patriots released Fenwick, who they signed as a UDFA after the draft. Fenwick was expected to battle for the third running back spot but hadn’t made much of a push through the first week of camp.
Diesch and Thomas are the second and third players to be added to the Patriots roster this week. On Thursday, the team signed defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
These moves keep the Patriots roster full at 90 players.
