The Patriots’ second preseason game saw much more action for players on ‘the bubble’ than Week 1. Whether it be guys fighting for playing time, or even on the fringe of the roster itself, many of the most talked about names of the summer showed up big one way or another against the Eagles.

Who made the most of their opportunities in Week 2? And who may have slipped off the 53-man roster? Let’s take a look…

• Rhamondre Stevenson

  Rhamondre Stevenson’s goal this preseason is to prove to the coaching staff he’s ready for NFL action, and should be an exception to the team’s usual ‘red shirt’ year for rookie running backs. Overall he posted another strong performance against Philly with 66 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, including some LeGarrette Blount-esque runs. However, he had a late-game fumble that the coaching staff won’t put aside easily.

  Rhamondre Stevenson is a truck out there 🚛pic.twitter.com/9hQJcp2W7i

  — PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) August 20, 2021

• Kristian Wilkerson

  After catching a case of the drops over the last week, Kristian Wilkerson went from the breakout star of camp to fading quickly off the roster. While he didn’t dig his hole any deeper Thursday night, he didn’t exactly climb out of it either. He had three catches for 36 yards, but had a noticeably reduced role on special teams.

• Devin Asiasi

  Thursday night was a huge opportunity for Devin Asiasi. As the only active tight end, he had a chance to be a focal point of the offense for most of the night, and prove he deserves a spot in the team’s tight end rotation once Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry return from injury. However, he had just one target on the night, and didn’t record a catch.

• Yodny Cajuste

  So far in training camp, the Patriots offensive line depth has been thin. The team normally carries eight or nine players at the position, but beyond the five starters and Ted Karras and Justin Herron – who were both starters at times last season – nobody has really stood out. However, 2019 third-round pick Yodny Cajuste may be changing that. Now finally healthy after missing the last two years due to injury, Cajuste made a number of notable blocks Thursday night.

  Yodny Cajuste throwing folks. pic.twitter.com/yVDskkl2an

  — Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) August 20, 2021

• Carl Davis

  Carl Davis continued what’s been a strong summer by getting the start on Thursday night. Although he was only listed in the stat sheet with one tackle, Davis spent most of his time in the game occupying blockers and closing running holes, exactly what the Patriots want from their defensive tackles. He remains squarely in the mix.

• Chase Winovich

  The Patriots likely wouldn’t outright release Chase Winovich, but he could be a trade candidate given the depth the team has up front and on the edge defensively. At the very least, he’s battling for playing time. He had his ups and downs in his preseason debut, recording a pair of sacks but also drawing a flag for roughing the passer.

  Roughing the passer penalty on Chase Winovich on one of his first snaps of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/AYqDmG4OEE

  — Zack Cox (@zm_cox) August 20, 2021

• Harvey Langi

  No Patriots linebacker played more snaps in Thursday night’s game than Harvey Langi, who was on the field for 31 plays defensively. After a rough week last week, Langi made the most of his opportunity with five tackles, a sack, a PBU, and an interception. With Raekwon McMillan done for the season and Terez Hall still on PUP, there’s a path to the roster for Langi if he can keep up that level of play.

  HARVEY LANGI WITH THE DIVING INTERCEPTION! 😱pic.twitter.com/4EN4u18nXH

  — Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) August 20, 2021

• Joejuan Williams

  You may not have heard Joejuan Williams’ name called often against Philly, but that’s a good thing for cornerbacks. Williams covered DeVonta Smith well enough to limit targets in his direction, in a matchup that on paper has Williams at a disadvantage. Including the joint practices, he’s made solid strides towards the third boundary cornerback role over the last week.

• Quinn Nordin

  The bad news? Thursday night was a display of why the Patriots were the only NFL team to call Quinn Nordin after the draft this spring. He had trouble controlling the ball and connected on just three of his six field goal attempts, missing two PATs. The good news? After that performance, there’s once again a chance the Patriots can get him onto the practice squad. Nick Folk’s health now becomes a key concern in the final week of training camp. 

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