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Four Quick Thoughts on Patriots Initial 53-Man Roster Cutdown
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- Four Quick Thoughts on Patriots Initial 53-Man Roster Cutdown
The initial New England Patriots 53-man roster of 2026 was announced by the team on Sunday night .
There were few, if any, surprise cuts, but you have to expect that this 53 is nowhere near set in stone with the Sept. 9 opener in Seattle now just 10 days away.
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Here are four first reactions from the announcement by the team.
The thinnest of edges
Veteran edge rusher Harold Landry opens the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning the starting two edge rushers will be Dre'Mont Jones and Elijah Ponder with rookie Gabe Jacas in reserve. That's a gamble for sure.
Morton makes it
Rookie seventh-round QB Behren Morton did enough this summer to stick on the 53-man. Morton remains a project, but it's interesting that the team felt like risking him on waivers before trying to get him on the practice squad was not worth it.
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Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) throws the ball during the second half against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The cornerbacks survive
Charles Woods , Karon Prunty and Channing Canada had some truly tough moments vs. the Browns on Thursday in coverage.
Their work on special teams was enough to keep them employed.
Chism hangs on
We figured that a sixth wide receiver might be considered a luxury on this team. And perhaps, Chism would have made it through waivers and earned a spot on the practice squad. But the team believes in him and what he could bring in the kicking game. It made Kayshon Boutte expendable.
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Here's a look at the 53-man roster by position breakdown.
Offense
Quarterbacks: Drake Maye , Tommy DeVito , Behren Morton
Running Backs: Rhamondre Stevenson , TreVeyon Henderson , Reggie Gilliam , Corey Kiner
Tight Ends: Hunter Henry , Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin
Wide Receivers: A.J. Brown , Romeo Doubs , Mack Hollins , Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams , Efton Chism
Line: Will Campbell , Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson , Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses , Caleb Lomu, Ben Brown , Walter Rouse , Greg Van Roten , Dametrious Crownover
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Defense
Line: Milton Williams , Christian Barmore , Cory Durden , Josh Farmer, Leonard Taylor
Edge: Dre'Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Gabe Jacas, Quintayvious Hutchins
Linebackers: Robert Spillane , Christian Elliss , K.J. Britt , Khalil Jacobs, Namdi Obiazor
Cornerbacks: Christian Gonzalez , Carlton Davis , Marcus Jones , Charles Woods, Karon Prunty, Channing Canada
Safeties: Kevin Byard , Craig Woodson , Dell Pettus , Jaylen Reed
Special teams
Long Snapper: Julian Ashby
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Kicker: Andy Borregales
Punter: Bryce Baringer
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
