6 Patriots on the Roster Bubble Heading Into Preseason Finale
4. Mike Purcell, defensive tackle
Even after the injury to Christian Barmore, the Patriots might not keep veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on the 53-man roster.
But, Purcell could be a strong candidate to keep as a veteran player on the practice squad at the start of the season, and he could be promoted as the season goes along. Some of the toughest cuts for the Patriots will come on their defensive line regardless of the Barmore injury.
We just saw Davon Godchaux get a contract extension and the Patriots may focus on guys who present more potential long-term value when it comes to building their defensive front. Players like Jeremiah Pharms, having a great camp, as well as Daniel Ekuale and Armon Watts would get the roster nods over a player like Purcell, who is a solid veteran stopgap option.
Another player on the bubble at this position group for the Patriots is former Cowboys second-round pick Trysten Hill, who has actually made the roster discussion around his name pretty interesting in recent weeks as well. In fact, Hill could push someone like Armon Watts potentially off the roster:
Patriots defensive tackles Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Trysten Hill are all hanging on the sidelines without helmets while Armon Watts, Josiah Bronson and Sam Roberts are still playing. Make of that what you will.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 16, 2024
With just one preseason game left to be played, the defensive line rotation will be worth monitoring closely for the Patriots as they are probably trying to sort out not only the 53 but perhaps the first player or two who might be called up off the practice squad at a moment's notice.