The 2024 Patriots Practice Squad Begins to Take Shape

After NFL rosters were paired down to 53 players on Tuesday, teams began assembling their practice squads the next day. The New England Patriots signed seven players to the practice squad, all of whom had been with the team in training camp. The NFL allows up to 17 players on practice squads if one is a member of the International Player Pathway Program. Since the Patriots signed an IPPP player, they can add up to ten more players.

New England cut a few veterans toward the end of camp who might be weighing their options. Shaun Wade and Joe Giles-Harris are examples of Patriots cuts who might want to see if an NFL roster spot opens up before signing with the practice squad. Or, they might simply opt for a fresh start. Quarterback Bailey Zappe signed with the Chiefs‘ practice squad on Wednesday with a chance for a new beginning in a new location.

Also Read – Meet the Four New England Patriots Waiver Claims

A reintroduction to the first seven members of the New England Patriots practice squad:

RB Kevin Harris

Harris was one of the three surprise cuts on Tuesday from this perspective (PFN’s final New England Patriots roster projection got 50-of-53 correct). New England opted to keep JaMycal Hasty as the third back on the initial roster instead. Harris begins his third straight season on the Patriots practice squad after being a sixth-round pick out of South Carolina in the 2022 NFL Draft. He appeared in nine NFL games, amassing 117 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 34 carries. Harris also has three receptions for 58 yards.

Big moment for Kevin Harris. 1st career touchdown for the rookie from South Carolina!

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— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2022

RB Terrell Jennings

The undrafted rookie free agent made a positive impression in training camp. Jennings led the New England Patriots in rushing during the preseason, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. It was clear that Jennings sat fifth on the depth chart at running back, but it was also clear the Patriots thought highly of him. The leap in competition from playing at Florida A&M to the NFL did not seem to overwhelm him. Jennings now has an opportunity to continue developing in New England.

TE Mitchell Wilcox

New England signed Wilcox in free agency just before the NFL Draft. If the Patriots did not draft a tight end, Wilcox would likely still be on the 53-man roster. But once Jaheim Bell fell in their lap in Round 7, it hurt Wilcox’s odds of remaining on the roster. Hunter Henry’s health has been a question mark for the past few weeks but the Patriots kept him on the active roster. They now benefit by having a veteran of 48 NFL games as insurance on the practice squad.

WR Matt Landers

The Patriots only signed Landers a week ago, but his potential is intriguing. He stands over 6-foot-4 and ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. But after playing for three high schools, three colleges, and three NFL teams, he now lands in New England. He made a big play in the preseason finale, which may have been enough to warrant a longer look on the practice squad.

Matt Landers finds room to convert ➡️

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— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 26, 2024

OL Liam Fornadel

Fornadel brings some potential to the practice squad. It will be interesting to see in which position the New England Patriots try to develop him. He was primarily a guard before coming to New England. He’s played in the CFL, XFL, and UFL. New England used him at center some in the preseason. The coaching staff values versatility in the offensive line group. Fornadel can provide that as a reserve if he continues to work on his snapping skills and other nuances of the position switch.

ED Jotham Russell

The New England Patriots get a bonus spot on the practice squad by signing Jotham Russell. The Australian is part of the International Player Pathway Program. He was the youngest player in the Patriots training camp, having just turned 21 in June. Russell is switching from rugby to American football, so there is work to be done. Although listed as a defensive end, he needs to put on weight (currently listed at 238 pounds) to play there in the NFL. He played outside linebacker and special teams through the preseason. His development will be worth monitoring.

S A.J. Thomas

Thomas joined camp late but was very impressive in a limited sample size. The Patriots opted to keep UDFA Dell Pettus on the 53-man roster. They cut both Thomas and Joshuah Bledsoe (after Wednesday’s waiver claims), both of whom look like NFL players. New England’s depth at the position made it a tough unit to crack, and Pettus was impressive as well. Thomas brings NFL experience to the practice squad. He provides insurance while Marte Mapu continues to work his way back as well.

What’s Next for the Practice Squad?

The four players cut by New England on Wednesday are all possible additions: WR Jalen Reagor, OL Michael Jordan, DL Trysten Hill, and CB Isaiah Bolden. Several other players from camp could be back as well. That group includes CB Shaun Wade, LB Joe Giles-Harris, DL Sam Roberts, and DE William Bradley-King, among others.

The Patriots are likely to add a veteran quarterback to the practice squad. One logical option is P.J. Walker. He played with Jacoby Brissett in Indianapolis, played for Ben McAdoo in Carolina, and played for Alex Van Pelt in Cleveland. He would bring another veteran to the quarterback, following Zappe’s departure.

So how will the New England Patriots fill out the remaining ten spots on their practice squad? Stay tuned.