Patriots release rookie, opening the door for veteran IR returns

The New England Patriots are in position to do some roster shuffling heading into their Week 7 matchup with the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, with players ready to return from IR. After adding two practice squad players on Tuesday though, the Patriots had a full roster both in terms of the 53-man active roster and 16-man practice squad and would need to open spots in order to make those moves.

On Thursday the Patriots did just that. The team opened up a spot on the active roster, releasing rookie cornerback Ameer Speed.

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Speed was a sixth-round pick by the Patriots this past spring out of Michigan State. He appeared in five games for the Patriots, playing almost exclusively on special teams. His lone defensive snaps came late in the team's Week 5 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.

What will the Patriots do with that open roster spot? The team has three players who have all been designated to return from IR in recent weeks. This could also be a move to facilitate a practice squad elevation. Here are the main options, starting with the players on IR...

Flowers was designated to return from IR to start Week 5, meaning the Patriots have until this upcoming Tuesday to activate him before he's ineligible to play for the rest of the year. With the Patriots' mounting issues on the defensive edge (Matthew Judon on IR, Keion White dealing with a concussion), there is a logical role available for Flowers if he's activated this week.

Like Flowers, Davis was also designated to return two weeks ago and is working on the same timeline. If the Patriots want to replace Speed's special teams roles, Davis would be the guy to get his spot.

Jones has the highest potential to make an impact of the three players eligible to return right now. With Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones not expected to return in the immediate future, and Jonathan Jones still banged up, the team is desperate for depth at cornerback. Add in the fact they're facing a passing-driven Bills team this week, and Jones would be a welcomed addition to the depth chart.

Let's say the Patriots don't activate any of the above players. What else could they do with the roster spot? Signing a player off the practice squad is also a possibility, with three main candidates.

Defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms has already been elevated the maximum of three times this season. If the Patriots want to keep him involved on gamedays, he'll need an active roster spot.

Wide receiver Jalen Reagor is another player to watch here. He still has one elevation left, but if the Patriots want to change things up at wide receiver following a lack of production from established veterans in recent weeks, Reagor would add an explosive element to the room.

Finally, there's tackle Conor McDermott. While McDermott was just signed to the practice squad last week, he previously spent the summer with the Patriots before being released off IR after final roster cuts.

McDermott was the Patriots' starting right tackle down the stretch last season, and given their current issues at the position the team may want him active on gameday. He still has all three practice squad elevations though, so signing him to the active roster right now may not be the biggest priority.

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.