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Patriots Cut Rookie for 2nd Time This Season in Week 16

New England cut rookie G Liam Fornadel from the practice squad ahead of this week's Bills game.

By Joe Summers

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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The Patriots announced a roster move on Tuesday, releasing rookie guard Liam Fornadel for the second time this year. He had been on New England's practice squad since August but amid a four-game losing streak and lost season, the organization elected to go in a different direction.

While Fornadel has never appeared in an NFL game, he was an All-XFL performer in 2023 for his work with the DC Defenders. He's been in the CFL as well and was a standout at James Madison in college, so perhaps another franchise will give him a look on their practice squad.

Considering how much the Patriots' offensive line has struggled, it's a disappointing development for Fornadel to be waived prior to getting a real chance to shine.

Patriots Release Rookie G Liam Fornadel for Second Time This Year

New England was initially encouraged by the potential Fornadel showed in other leagues. He's a candidate to come back at a latter date, though has to shore up some technique issues to ensure he stays in the NFL.

Still only 26 years old, Fornadel has ideal size at six-foot-four and 312 pounds. He was one of the best offensive linemen during his stints in the UFL, XFL, and CFL, meaning there could still an intriguing prospect there.

The Patriots close the season with a Chargers matchup sandwiched between a pair of games against the Bills. Both of those are playoff teams fighting for positioning in the AFC. It'd be a stunner if New England won any of the contests, so they'll likely end the season on a seven-game losing streak.

Considering how many holes exist on the roster, that's ultimately a good thing. The Patriots need to get Drake Maye as much help as possible and the highest draft pick available is a great way to start fixing these problems in the offseason.

Whether or not Fornadel joins another team before the year ends, he'll get another look around the NFL. His dream isn't dead yet of becoming a contributor, though this is certainly a setback for the young player.

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