Patriots lose hyped-up practice squad linebacker to Colts

Over the summer, linebacker Cameron McGrone was one of the most talked-about players in anticipation of the 2022 season. However, he's now on his way out of New England with three games left to go on the schedule. On Tuesday morning, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Colts are signing McGrone off the Patriots' practice squad, meaning he's heading to Indianapolis and being added to their active 53-man roster.

This comes after McGrone appeared to be making progress in New England. Two weeks ago, McGrone was elevated from the Patriots' practice squad for their game against the Cardinals, but then was listed as inactive. Following his elevation, Belichick spoke highly of him.

"Cam's had a good year. He missed a little bit of time at the beginning of the year and then had a good stretch there. Then missed a few practices about a month ago or so somewhere in there. Then kind of started to reclimb from there," Belichick told reporters during a press conference a few days later. "He's definitely on a positive track.  he's done a good job for us. If he can continue to stay out there and work hard and improve, then maybe he'll get an opportunity here before we're done."

That wasn't the first time a member of the Patriots' staff raved about McGrone either. Back in the spring, director of player personnel Matt Groh cited McGrone's presence on the roster as a reason the team didn't draft a linebacker.

"Excited to see Cam McGrone was able to get on the field a little bit last year, excited to see him be in an expanded role. He’s kind of an additional draft pick," Groh told reporters in early May.

McGrone's NFL career arc so far has been an interesting one. He was a projected Day 2 pick in his final year at Michigan, until his tore his ACL in November. The Patriots then drafted him in the fifth round in 2021, acknowledging at the time he probably would miss his entire rookie season rehabbing. That was the case, as he spent all of 2021 on IR.

Still, the prospect of adding the kind fast, athletic modern linebacker the team seemed to be missing generated buzz for McGrone's 2022 season. That anticipation only built after Groh's comments in the spring.

Yet that hype never materialized. As is the case with many players coming off ACL injuries, McGrone didn't look as explosive in training camp - just over a year removed from the injury - as he did at Michigan. Passed on the depth chart by Raekwon McMillan and Mack Wilson, McGrone ended up getting waived during final roster cuts, then signed to the Patriots practice squad where he's spent the 2022 season to this point.

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.