Making the 53: Patriots Roster Tracker

In the words of Michael Corleone, ‘There are things being negotiated that are going to answer all of your questions and solve all of your problems. That's all I can tell you right now.”

This infamous quote from Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” may well serve as the theme of the day in the NFL. As are the other 31 teams throughout the league, the New England Patriots are required to reduce their active roster to 53 players by 4:00 p.m. ET.

With a flurry of roster activity expected throughout the day, be sure to follow along with Patriot Maven’s Roster Tracker for the latest comings and goings in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Tuesday, August 31, 7:05pm ET

The Patriots placed DL Byron Cowart, CB Stephon Gilmore LB Terez Hall and QB Jarrett Stidham on the reserve/physical unable to perform list, 2021 draft picks S Joshuah Bledsoe and LB Cameron McGrone on the reserve/non-football injury list and LB Anfernee Jennings on season-ending injured reserve.

Tuesday, August 31, 5:45pm ET

Per the NFL wire, the Patriots have released QB Brian Hoyer. However, it is likely that the 35 year-old will return, once additional roster spots open after the 53-man version is officially set.

The team has also reportedly released C James Ferentz, while waiving LB Tashawn Bower, OT Korey Cunningham, CB Michael Jackson, Sr., and DT Nick Thurman.

Tuesday, August 31, 1:45pm ET

The Patriots are expected to retain the services of rookie K Quinn Nordin as their starter, taking over the job from veteran Nick Folk, as reported by ESPN’s Field Yates.

Tuesday, August 31, 1:00pm ET

The Patriots have released DL Akeem Spence, as first reported by Doug Kyed, of Pro Football Focus. Spence had been vying for a role on the Patriots defensive line, and had seen playing time, alongside some of the Pats starters and primary defenders.

Tuesday, August 31, 10:15am ET

As first reported by Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have released QB Cam Newton. Rookie Mac Jones becomes the starting quarterback. {for more on Newton’s release}

The Patriots released DL Montravius Adams, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Adams reportedly drew some trade interest, but the team was unable to find a suitable situation. Adams experience should quickly land him a spot elsewhere.

Tuesday, August 31, 9:45am ET

The Patriots have released WR Isaiah Zuber, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Zuber joined the Pats as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and had demonstrated some impressive athleticism and speed during his time in New England. He should be a candidate for New England’s practice squad.

Tuesday, August 31, 9:30am ET

The Patriots have released DB Myles Brant and OL Alex Redmond, per Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus. With a great deal of depth along the offensive line, Redmond was a long shot to make the team. However, he can be a solid depth piece for a team in need of offensive line help. Bryant was a bit of a surprise, as he seemed to be emerging as versatile and physical defensive back.

The Patriots have released TE Matt LaCosse, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. LaCosse was a presence for the Patriots, with the ability to make catches as well as contributions as a blocker. His absence from the field due to injury to close training camp was likely a factor in his release.

The Patriots have released CB D’Angelo Ross, per Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal. Ross’ release is a bit of a surprise, as he was starting to emerge as a potential depth option at corner. The 24-year-old got the start in the Patriots preseason finale against the New York Giants. New England would undoubtedly like to retain his services via the practice squad, if the opportunity presents itself.

Tuesday, August 31, 9:00am ET

The Patriots have released WR Kristian Wilkerson, per Evan Lazar of CLNS Media. After a strong start to training camp, Wilkerson’s production cooled significantly as the summer progressed. While some had considered him notable competition with incumbent N’Keal Harry for depth at the ‘X’ receiver position, Wilkerson will likely be claimed on waivers by a team in need of help at the wide receiver position.

New England also released CB Dee Virgin, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Virgin faced a daunting task of notching a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster. While he saw some playing time at corner in the preseason, his most notable contributions were in a backup role on special teams during training camp.

Tuesday, August 31, 8:00am, ET

The Pats have released sixth-round rookie OL Will Sherman, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Sherman did not show enough consistency to make the Pats final roster. However, he is likely to return via the practice squad. The Colorado product could project as a swing tackle on both sides, and also has the potential to transition to guard.

Tuesday, August 31, 7:30am ET

The Patriots reportedly acquired Kansas City Chiefs backup offensive OL Yasir Durant in a trade Tuesday morning for a 2022 seventh-round pick, the same seventh-round pick the Pats acquired from Las Vegas in the trade for Trent Brown last March. The Kansas City Star was the first to report the transaction.

Durant joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri last year. The 6-foot-6, 331-pounder took 91 offensive snaps as a rookie and allowed one sack around three other pressures, per Pro Football Focus. The Patriots now have tremendous depth at tackle, with Durant, Yodny Cajuste and Korey Cummingham in the mix. Durant’s acquisition likely means that Cunningham’s roster spot is shaky, at best.

Monday, August 30

On Monday evening, the Patriots released rookie WR Tre Nixon, DL Bill Murray and S Adrian Colbert.

Nixon and Murray are candidates to return to the team’s practice squad. The rookie wideout has shows promising, pro-level speed, with some improvement needed on his physicality. Murray is a tenacious lineman, whose high motor should serve him well with additional development.

Colbert played well in training camp, as well as preseason. However, he faced a strong amount of competition in New England’s crowded defensive backfield .