Patriots make series of roster moves leading into Cardinals matchup
The New England Patriots are adding tight end Jack Westover to their roster for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, but didn’t fill their open roster spot before the game.
Heading into their Week 15 matchup at the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the New England Patriots made a series of roster moves.
On Friday, the team ruled out wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (foot) for Sunday. Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle) was also officially ruled out. Wallace was designated to return from IR earlier this week, but hasn’t yet been added to the active roster. Head coach Jerod Mayo said on Friday Wallace wasn’t expected to return this week.
After ruling Roy out for the game, the Patriots later announced he was being placed on IR, ending his season. That move opens up a spot on the active roster. The Patriots would have had to fill that spot by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday for that player to be eligible to play in this game, but didn’t make any such move. It’s possible that spot is earmarked for Wallace.
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The Patriots are adding one player to their roster for Sunday, via a practice squad elevation. On Saturday, the team announced tight end Jack Westover will get the call for this one.
Westover is an undrafted rookie out of Washington, who signed with the Patriots in early October after spending the summer with the Seattle Seahawks. This will be his second elevation – he made his debut a few weeks ago in the loss at Miami.
In his first game Westover played mostly on special teams recording 13 snaps in the kicking game while playing just one on offense. It’s possible he could see more offensive time in this game. With Baker out the Patriots are down to just four wide receivers. Mayo noted on Friday that the tight ends could help compensate for that lack of depth.
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“One of our most dependable rooms has been the tight end room, and we have tight ends that can split out,” he said. “We have tight ends that can line up, end-line tight ends, so definitely a possibility. Whether it’s 11 or 12 personnel, it won’t change so much.”
It’ll be a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff for Patriots and Cardinals on Sunday from Glendale. Coverage begins at 1:30 on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Patriots Radio Network.
