New England Cuts Defensive Lineman Mike Purcell

The New England Patriots filled their 90-man roster with two additions on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the team announced cutting veteran defensive lineman Mike Purcell, opening up a roster spot. New England needs to get down to 53 players on their roster by 4:00 PM ET on August 27.

New England signed Mike Purcell three weeks ago. Following the blood clot diagnosis for Christian Barmore, the Patriots brought in Purcell and Josiah Bronson to add depth to the position. After limited time in the preseason opener against Carolina, Purcell played 34 defensive snaps against Philadelphia. He recorded two tackles (one solo) and a quarterback pressure. Pro Football Focus gave Purcell a 62.5 grade for the game.

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Purcell began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. He spent several years bouncing around football on NFL practice squads (including New England), offseason rosters, and the defunct AAF. He signed with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and spent the past five seasons there.

Mike Purcell was not included on the New England Patriots 53-man roster in the latest projection by Patriots Football Now. Christian Barmore appears headed to PUP/IR to start the season. Davon Godchaux, Jeremiah Pharms, and Daniel Ekuale all seem like locks to make the initial roster. Trysten Hill, Armon Watts, Sam Roberts, and Josiah Bronson will battle for the remaining spots along the defensive interior line. Defensive ends Deatrich Wise Jr. and Keion White will be on the Week 1 roster as well.