The New England Patriots handle the assigning of rookie jersey numbers different than other teams in the NFL. Rather than getting their number from the start of spring practices, the Patriots assign the rookies class numbers based on where they were drafted – starting at 50 for the first draft pick, 51 for the second, and on and on with UDFAs following sequentially (although some numbers that are retired, like 56 and 57, are skipped). Players then get regular numbers ahead of the first preseason game.
Yet when the Patriots initially announced the jersey numbers for their rookie class before Week 1 of the preseason, it was clear some would end up changing. Some players had numbers that didn’t make sense, while others had numbers that were already taken by veteran establish players on the roster.
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Ahead of Thursday’s practice the Patriots released those new numbers, with the rookies having officially made the roster. The players were wearing those numbers at Thursday’s practice.
In total, four rookies on the active roster got new numbers. There were also some re-assignments on the practice squad. For those keeping track at home, where’s whose number changed…
CB Christian Gonzalez: 6
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (50) sprints during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The NFL is letting players wear No. 0 for the first time this year, and given Gonzalez wore that in college it seemed like a logical fit. So, many were surprised when he got No. 19 to start the preseason.
Gonzalez’ number is changing, but it still isn’t No. 0. Instead, he’ll get the No. 6 that was vacated when Nick Folk was traded.
OL Sidy Sow: 62
Foxborough, Massachusetts, Aug. 10, 2023: New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow lines up against the Houston Texans during a preseason game at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Sow goes up one number from No. 61 to No. 62 – the number he wore in college. That number was previously taken by fellow offensive lineman Bill Murray, who was cut this week and signed with the Bears’ practice squad.
K Chad Ryland: 39
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (38) kicks the ball to the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Like Sow, Ryland increases his number by one from No. 38 to No. 39. Ryland wore No. 38 in college, but that’s currently taken by Rhamondre Stevenson, so he was always going to have to change.
P Bryce Baringer: 19
Aug. 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots punter Bryce Baringer (9) warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Baringer was also wearing a number currently taken by an established Patriots player – Matthew Judon’s No. 9. His college No. 99 is also taken by Keion White. Instead he’ll take No. 17, which was worn by tight end Scotty Washington before he got cut last week.
That number has recently been associated with bad luck in New England, specifically for wide receivers. He’ll be just the third Patriots punter to wear the number though, after Luke Prestridge (1984) and Michael Palardy (2022).
Practice squad
New England Patriots punter Corliss Waitman during a break in action at 2023 minicamp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The Patriots also had three number changes on their practice squad. Punter Corliss Waitman went from No. 15 to No. 39, linebacker Joe Giles-Harris went from No. 53 to No. 44, and wide receiver Thyrick Pitts went from No. 13 to No. 83.
