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Patriots links 10/17/25 – Week 7 Patriots-Titans keys to victory

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TEAM TALK


LOCAL LINKS

  • Thomas Murphy’s Monster Keys to a victory over Tennessee: 1. Reestablish the outside zone; More!
  • Steve Balestrieri’s Pats-Titans matchups, keys to the game: Patriots RBs vs. Titans front seven — Edge New England; More!
  • Alex Barth‘s Friday 5 Things: How do the Patriots take care of business in Tennessee.
  • Andrew Callahan‘s Week 7 thoughts: Patriots’ best trade targets, a wild Drake Maye stat and why the coaches are looking at tape from 2009 to prepare for the Titans; More!
  • Mike Kadlick sees Mike Vrabel’s Patriots preparing for a revenge game in Tennessee. “But let’s not sugarcoat it. This one means more. It has to.”
  • Chris Spiering posts his Patriots vs. Titans bold predictions for Week 7. Stefon Diggs scores first TD as a Patriot.; More!
  • Doug Kyed points out how Drake Maye quickly solved the early-season offensive issue of the lack of explosive plays.
  • Karen Guregian notes Josh McDaniels is still bullish on Patriots rookie receiver Kyle Williams.
  • Mike D’Abate reports injured Patriots defenders Anfernee Jennings and safety Jaylinn Hawkins returned to practice yesterday, but Harold Landry, III remained out with a knee issue.
  • Mark Daniels remembers last year in Tennessee when Drake Maye had his memorable 11.82-second scramble touchdown to tie the game before losing in OT.
  • John Rooke explains why he believes this team can make the playoffs – if they can overcome their flaws.
  • Doug Kyed helps us get to know Patriots free-agent standout, DT Khyris Tonga.
  • Doug Kyed relays Mike Vrabel indicating that the Patriots’ record won’t impact their aggressiveness in making a move at the trade deadline.
  • Michael Hurley crafts a potential Patriots trade package for Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson
  • Jake Seymour goes Inside the numbers: Drake Maye continues to shine for Patriots in Week 6.
  • Ethan Hurwitz highlights Tom Brady reflecting on the viral photo from the 2015 game in Dallas. /Perfect.
  • Locked On Patriots podcast: Nick Cattles analyzes the Pats-Titans matchup, highlighting Maye’s league-leading deep passing stats against the Titans’ struggling secondary; More. (33 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Mike Vrabel’s return should remind Titans of the good thing they cast aside.
  • Steven Ruiz (The Ringer) The 2024 Quarterback class redraft. No. 1 Drake Maye.
  • Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) Who’s using their rookies the most? Ranking NFL teams by snaps played — and what it says about their future. No. 2 Patriots (16.9%) /Click for commentary.
  • Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Stefon Diggs limited in practice for second day in a row.
  • Game Preview (NFL.com) Patriots at Titans, everything you need to know. (7 min. video)
  • Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Kickoff returns are way up in the NFL this year, but touchdowns are down, with only one this season when Patriots returner Antonio Gibson took a kickoff 90 yards for a TD in Week 2 vs. the Dolphins.
  • Jordan Dajani & Steven Taranto (CBS Sports) NFL Week 7 picks: Our experts face off on top games. Patriots-Titans included. Dajani picks Pats 27-17; Taranto picks Pats 24-20. /Click for commentary.
  • John Breech (CBS Sports) NFL Week 7 picks and score predictions. Pats win 34-13.
  • Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) Upset alert in Week 7? Why these five favorites could fall. No Pats.
  • Matt Verderame (SI) Week 7 key matchups, predictions: Commanders-Cowboys NFC East showdown; More.

VIEW FROM TENNESSEE

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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-10-17-25-week-7-patriots-titans-keys-victory
 
5 questions with Music City Miracles: How has Cam Ward looked so far?

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Fresh off their third win in a row, the New England Patriots will travel to Tennessee to take on their head coach’s former team. Mike Vrabel meeting the Titans for the first time since his departure during the 2024 offseason is one of the big stories of the week. So is his ex-club firing his successor just earlier this week.

So, what can be expected of the Titans now? In order to answer that and other questions about the team, we reached out to Jimmy Morris of Pats Pulpit’s sister site Music City Miracles, the SB Nation community for all things Titans.

Here is what he told us about the upcoming game and what to expect from New England’s Week 7 opponent.

1. Did Brian Callahan deserve to be fired this early into the season? How do you expect Mike McCoy to change things up as interim head coach?

Yeah, he did. It’s been that bad. Not only did he have numerous in-game gaffes, but the offense has been one of the worst units I’ve ever seen. Callahan was brought in because of his ability to coach offense. They are 31st or 32nd in pretty much every offensive category you can think of. Plus, there is the fact that Cam Ward has regressed over the last few weeks outside of a really good fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. The team was bad and getting worse.

That’s a good question. Our hope is that they will play with more tempo on offense. That is where Ward is at his best. Callahan talked about doing more of it after the Cardinals game, but then they came out and only went no huddle three times before the game was over in the fourth quarter last week.

2. The numbers aren’t great, but how has Cam Ward performed on an individual level thus far? How much is he raising the offense’s ceiling?

He was good in the first two games despite having bad numbers. Things haven’t gone as well since, except for, like I said earlier, the fourth quarter against the Cardinals. Now, there are some pretty obvious reasons he is struggling. One is that they have no playmakers on offense — especially with Calvin Ridley out. There is also the fact that the offensive line has been bad. Ward has already been sacked 25 times this season. He has gotten into the bad habit of drifiting in the pocket, even when it is clean. It’s hard to blame him with how much he has been hit, but he has to get that fixed if he is going to have success. He also has some issues with his footwork, but again, some of that stems from running for his life on most plays.

He hasn’t really raised the offensive sealing yet, but there is a really good quarterback in there. It’s going to take some time and players around him, but I am still confident that the Titans have their guy going forward.

3. How have rookies Elic Ayomanor and Gunnar Helm looked through six weeks? Who will be Tennessee’s top target with Calvin Ridley out?

Ayomanor has been solid. He’s not ever going to be a No. 1 receiver, but he runs good routes and can make contested catches. He should be a solid player for this team as they build out the offense. They haven’t used Helm as much as most people would like. He’s a really good pass catcher, but still needs some work as a blocker. That has limited his playing time to this point. Hopefully, they will try to get him more involved now, especially with Ridley most likely being out for a few weeks.

The problem is that there won’t be a top target with Ridley out. Ward is going to have to spread the ball around for the Titans to move the ball effectively.

4. Jeffery Simmons is an established game-wrecker, but who are some other defenders Patriots fans should know?

Inside linebacker Cedric Gray has really come on over the last couple of weeks. He has 41 tackles in the last three games. I sound like a bit of a broken record here, but there really isn’t much else to talk about as far as people that you should know. This team lacks playmakers all over the field. The edge group is bad, and now the guys who have been playing for them are all hurt. Second-round pick Femi Oladejo went on IR. Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones have both missed two days of practice this week. If they are out [Key is out, Jones is questionable -TK], the Patriots can probably just assign three guys to block Simmons. Drake Maye is going to have ALL DAY to throw.

5. What boxes must the Patriots check to secure a win? How can the Titans pull off the upset at home?

Look, I think if this game is played 100 times, the Patriots probably win 98 of them. I’d love to find some edge the Titans have here that they can take advantage of, but I just don’t see it. Maybe the Titans get that interim coach bump that people have been talking about around here? Add in the fact that Mike Vrabel was fired by the Titans, and you know he has had this game circled since before he even got the job in New England, it’s hard for me to see a scenario where the Titans keep it within two touchdowns.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-questions-patriots-titans-preview-nfl-week-7
 
Cornerback, pass rush among Patriots’ reported targets ahead of NFL trade deadline

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The NFL trade deadline is drawing nearer, and the New England Patriots could very well become active. They have expressed interest in several position groups so far.

Among them is cornerback, as reported by Josina Anderson of The Athletic.

The Patriots’ starting trio of Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones is among the best in the NFL. The depth behind them is a question mark, however.

Current CB4 Charles Woods is nursing a knee injury and questionable to play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, while one-time starter Alex Austin has been relegated to emergency and special teams duty. In addition, the team has two more corners — Miles Battle and Kobee Minor — as extra options on the practice squad.

New England adding established depth to the group, potentially in the form of somebody they are familiar with, as pointed out by Anderson, therefore could be a potential outcome.

In addition, the Patriots are also on the lookout for pass rush help. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that they have been in touch with teams.

Led by the starting quartet of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams on the interior and Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson on the edge, the Patriots have registered 13 sacks through six games so far this season. They are ranked 15th in the league in quarterback takedowns and 14th with a pressure rate of 20.3%.

Again, the biggest questions concern depth. Inside, Barmore and Williams have taken a majority of pass rush snaps, with DT3 Khyiris Tonga a bigger factor versus the run than the pass. Backups Joshua Farmer, Cory Durden and Eric Gregory have had a limited impact so far.

On the edge, injuries have impacted the group lately. All four of the core guys — Landry and Chaisson as well as Keion White and Anfernee Jennings — have recently been banged up, while Landry is questionable for Sunday’s game against his ex-club because of a knee injury. Meanwhile, neither former starter White nor any other depth options up front have registered any sacks so far this year.

In addition to pass rush and cornerback, the Patriots are also believed to be candidates for help at running back. As of Saturday, they have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

This year’s NFL trade deadline is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. ET.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-rumors/111889/patriots-rumors-nfl-trade-deadline
 
Patriots vs. Titans: How to watch New England’s Week 7 game on Sunday

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Three straight Sundays, three straight road games. After already registering wins in Buffalo and New Orleans the last two weeks, the New England Patriots will try to do the same in Week 7 versus the Tennessee Titans. A win would improve their record to 5-2 and further help the team establish its position as a potential competitor in the AFC.

Here is all you need to know about how to follow the game.

How to watch Patriots at Titans in NFL Week 7​


Kickoff: Sunday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m. ET

Stadium: Nissan Stadium, Nashville TN

Broadcast: CBS, WBZ-TV Channel 4 (local)

Live stream/mobile: Paramount+ (local), NFL+ (local), NFL Sunday Ticket (out of market), NFL Game Pass (international), SiriusXM App (NE: 821, TEN: 830)

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (local | Full list of affiliate stations), Sports USA (national), SiriusXM (NE: 386, TEN 231)

Odds: Patriots -6.5, O/U 42.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook)

SB Nation Affiliate: Music City Miracles

Pats Pulpit will have plenty of updates as well as our live in-game tracker online on game day. Please make sure to regularly check back for all the latest news, rumors and analysis.

We will also deliver updates and analysis on social media, so give us a follow on Bluesky, Twitter/X and Facebook. Also make sure to subscribe to Pats Pulpit’s Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) and Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39), who are reporting live from Foxboro throughout the season.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ch-nfl-game-today-live-stream-tv-kickoff-time
 
AFC playoff picture: Patriots keep climbing up the conference standings

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The New England Patriots’ season is only seven games old, but they have already bested their win numbers of both 2024 and 2023. Beating the Tennessee Titans 31-13 on the road on Sunday, the have now improved to 5-2 on the season — one win more than they were able to celebrate each of the last two years.

The win also had another effect, though. It helped the Patriots further solidify their spot in the AFC playoff picture and put more pressure on the other teams in the conference; at the moment, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel is ranked second behind only the 6-1 Indianapolis Colts.

With just the Sunday and Monday night games of Week 7 missing, here is what the playoff picture in the AFC currently looks like:

  1. Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
  2. New England Patriots (5-2)
  3. Denver Broncos (5-2)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
  5. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)

On the bubble: 8. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3), 9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4), 10. Houston Texans (2-3)

Not technically eliminated but let’s be real here: 11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5), 12. Cleveland Browns (2-5), 13. Baltimore Ravens (1-5), 14. Miami Dolphins (1-6), 15. Tennessee Titans (1-6), 16. New York Jets (0-7)

The Patriots obviously have a long way to go, but they are very much alive in the competition for a spot in the tournament. That is especially true considering that the AFC is a two-class society at this point in time: no more than 10 teams seem to realistically be fighting for the seven available spots in the postseason, and New England has an advantage over a significant portion of them.

Obviously, the Chiefs are making a strong push and the whole competition is pretty tight. Still, Mike Vrabel and company being in this position seven games into his tenure as head coach is still impressive.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ots-afc-playoff-picture-win-titans-nfl-week-7
 
7 winners and losers from the Patriots’ 31-13 win over the Titans

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The New England Patriots stayed in the win column on Sunday, celebrating a fourth straight W to improve to 5-2 on the year. Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee ended with a 31-13 victory over the Titans.

Here is who caught our eye for better or worse upon live viewing.

Winners​


QB Drake Maye: Another week, another near perfect effort for the sophomore quarterback. Maye set a single-game franchise record completing 91.3 percent of his passes (21-of-23) en route to throwing for 222 yards and two touchdowns while generating +0.37 expected points per drop-back. He continued his elite success throwing downfield with a long touchdown to Kayshon Boutte and had perfect ball placement on sideline throws to Mack Hollins (honey hole) and Stefon Diggs.

Maye also added 62 yards on eight scrambles but the quarterback did admit to potentially being quick to take off at times — while the eight attempts led to a handful of hits and a trip to the medical tent. New England needs their quarterback to stay healthy as Maye is playing at an elite, MVP-type level.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson: After struggling to run the football of late New England had their best statistical rushing performance of the season against the Titans. That was led by Rhamondre Stevenson who dominated the backfield snaps and posted 88 yards on 18 carries (4.9 YPA) while finding the end zone. Stevenson totaled a season-high 56 rushing yards after contact.

Kayshon Boutte and the WRs: Maye continued to spread the ball around on Sunday which led to several receivers making key contributions. The biggest came from Kayshon Boutte finding the end zone again by beating L’Jarius Snead one-on-one for a 39-yard touchdown.

Boutte. Beauty.@DrakeMaye2 ➡️@KayshonBoutte1

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/dO2BYrebNy

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 19, 2025
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Beyond Boutte, Stefon Diggs led the group with seven catches for 69 yards, Mack Hollins had a pair of explosives, and DeMario Douglas converted a third and fourth down on a touchdown drive — needing just one hand to convert the latter. Even Efton Chism III saw his first non-kneel down offensive snaps of the season and threw a big block to help spring a 14-yard run.

LBs K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry: New England’s top two edge rushers took advantage of Tennessee’s struggling tackle duo. Chiasson found himself in the backfield often and got home for a pair of sacks on Cam Ward. He then capped his day off with a scoop-and-score touchdown on a fumble recovery.

On the opposite side, Harold Landry made an impact in his return to Tennessee with a sack, run stuff, and a drawn hold. He also had the initial pressure on one of Chaisson’s takedowns.

Losers​


OG Jared Wilson and the pass protection: While Drake Maye found plenty of success through the air, the quarterback was under pressure on 37 percent of his drop backs and was sacked four times even as the Titans were without star defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons (hamstring) for most of the afternoon. That pressure percentage also included eight quick pressures — getting to Maye in under 2.5 seconds.

The main culprit seemed to be rookie left guard Jared Wilson, who appeared to allow at least a pair of sacks in live action. One would wonder if the staff would consider a change to Ben Brown in order to give the rookie a breather.

Early pass defense: In a reoccurring theme, New England’s defense got off to a slow start as they saw Cam Ward complete 11-of-16 first half passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. The 38-yard score was the same play Pop Douglas scored on against New Orleans, as Chimere Dike got behind Marcus Jones while rookie Craig Woodson bit on the corner route overtop.

Elsewhere, Carlton Davis gave up a 20-yard completion in man coverage and was flagged for DPI, while Christian Gonzalez also allowed a 15-yard completion on third-and-3. New England found much more success with more zone coverage in the second half, but the slow starts and inconsistent play against the pass remains something to monitor.

Honorable mentions​

  • Credit to backup QB Joshua Dobbs for being inserted for three plays and keeping the drive alive. Dobbs’ only attempt saw him avoid pressure before finding Douglas on third-down.
  • Just two carries (five yards) for rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as Stevenson dominated the backfield.
  • Helluva touchdown catch from Austin Hooper. Mossed.
  • Milton Williams got home for a third-down sack to give him 3.5 on the season. And while Christian Barmore did not get in the stat sheet he continued to make his presence felt doing work to free up Harold Landry on two sacks.
  • While he was on scene for the long touchdown allowed, Marcus Jones later recorded his second interception of the season.
  • Another clean day for Andy Borregales with four made PATs and a 36-yard field goal.
  • New England’s kick coverage gave up a 29- and 31-yard kick returns in addition to a 15-yard punt return.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...s-titans-winners-losers-nfl-week-7-drake-maye
 
Patriots vs. Titans injury analysis: Crisis averted in Week 7

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The New England Patriots cruised to a 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. The relatively lopsided final score, however, does not reveal the drama that unfolded on the field on Sunday: early in the second half, Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye was pulled from the game after sustaining a potential head injury.

Luckily for the team, he returned shortly thereafter and his brief departure remained the only noteworthy incident against Tennessee. So, let’s assess the damage after rewatching the game.

Patriots injury analysis: Week 7​


QB Drake Maye: Following a 6-yard scramble on the opening drive of the third quarter, Maye hit his head on the Nissan Stadium turf. He remained on the ground for a bit and managed to get up without any obvious limitations, but was nonetheless removed from the contest by the unaffiliated neurological team. He went to the blue medical tent for a checkup, but reemerged shortly thereafter and returned to the game after just three missed snaps. The 23-year-old remained in the lineup until late in the fourth quarter, when he was pulled due to the game’s blowout nature.

What this means for the Patriots​


The Patriots’ 5-2 start is in large part due to Maye playing some of the best football in the NFL right now. So, naturally, him having to exit the team was cause for concern. His absence was brief and ultimately non-consequential, but a reminder of how quickly fortune can change in the league: one bad collision or hard hit might be all it takes, something Maye himself is quite familiar with.

Twice last season, the then-rookie underwent a similar check after hitting his head on the turf. The first of those, in a game against the New York Jets, resulted in him leaving the game and being placed in concussion protocol.

On Sunday against the Titans, that did not happen.

“I feel alright, just got to get down,” Maye said after the game. “Just landed awkwardly but felt alright. But, no, felt good.”

Maye is the Patriots’ most important player, and as such somebody who needs to be protected and also know how to protect himself. Head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels need to keep driving this point home, even if it results in a few less yards being gained on scramble drills.

As for the rest of the team, there were no obvious hiccups. The opposite, actually: safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who has now missed two straight games with a hamstring issue, seems to be nearing his return.

The first injury report of the week, set to be released on Wednesday, will give us more insight into the Patriots’ injury situation, though. They will then host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ts-injury-update-titans-nfl-week-7-drake-maye
 
#PostPulpit Mailbag: Submit your questions for this week

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The winning streak continued for the New England Patriots as they now find themselves 5-2 on the season in the midst of four straight victories. Now, New England gets set to return to Gillette Stadium following three straight road trips.

So, submit any Patriots questions — or whatever else is on your mind — down in the comments below or on Twitter using #PostPulpit.

Stay tuned for Friday’s updated mailbag.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...t-mailbag-submit-your-questions-for-this-week
 
Browns getting more out of their rookie running back so far than Patriots

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By the end of training camp and preseason, it appeared the Cleveland Browns might have made the wrong decision in the second round of the draft. Targeting a running back at No. 36 overall, they had their choice between two local kids: Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins or TreVeyon Henderson.

They went with the former, leaving Henderson on the board for the New England Patriots to pick him up two selections later. Through the summer, it looked like the lower-drafted of the two backs was primed for a bigger regular season.

Whereas Judkins was unavailable due to his contract situation remaining unsettled, and along the way also faced a brief domestic violence episode that was later resolved without any charges being prosecuted, Henderson looked like a star in the making for the Patriots. In two preseason contests, he registered a combined eight touches for 50 yards and a touchdown and ran back a kickoff 100 yards for another score.

As soon as the calendar started to flip to September, however, the two former Buckeyes’ trajectories started to reverse.

Judkins did miss Cleveland’s season opener after only signing his rookie deal one day prior, but since then has become a focal point of the team’s offensive operation.

Quinshon Judkins absolutely profiles as a bellcow

A pain to tackle on final contact. Aggressive cuts and enough juice to convert good blocking into an explosive play

18 carries 94 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 pic.twitter.com/WJ3eYlVVKH

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 22, 2025
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In his six games, Judkins established himself as Cleveland’s primary running back and now leads the team in carries (109), rushing yards (467) and rushing touchdowns (5) as well as yards from scrimmage (529). Averaging 4.3 yards per carry, he is one of the top backs in football this year as well as responsible for one fourth of the Browns’ offensive yardage so far and almost half of their 11 total TDs.

With him in the lineup alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees decided to make him the cornerstone of their attack. In last week’s 31-9 win over the Miami Dolphins, he gained 84 yards and scored three times including a 46-yard scamper.

Quinshon Judkins 46-yard TD!

MIAvsCLE on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/tEkT7aMNZx

— NFL (@NFL) October 19, 2025
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Compared to Judkins, Henderson has been a non-factor for the Patriots since the games started to count. While he has been on the field for 151 offensive snaps (34.1%) through Week 7, he has only touched the ball 59 times for 252 yards and a touchdown. He also has had a limited impact as a return man, averaging 22.0 yards on seven kickoff runbacks before being removed from the position to limit his exposure in the aftermath of fellow RB/KR Antonio Gibson tearing his ACL.

Opportunities have been one thing, but Henderson has also struggled making the most of the snaps he has been given. The comparison between the two ex-teammates therefore becomes even more drastic when looking at advanced metrics such as yards over expectation. Whereas Judkins ranks sixth in the league in that category (1.09), Henderson is 42nd and last (-1.26) among qualifying backs.

Seven weeks into the 2025 season, Judkins now looks like the home run pick Henderson was initially believed to be. Of course, just like their outlook changed, so can the latter’s fortunes moving forward.

The circumstances, after all, were favorable for Judkins making an impact early relative to Henderson. The Browns are led by a rookie quarterback, had no clear-cut RB1 on their roster, and have a seasoned offensive line capable of moving bodies in the ground game. The Patriots, on the other hand, are fielding one of the most productive QBs in football this season, an established (if somewhat volatile) starter at RB, and an O-line featuring four new starters including a pair of rookies.

At the end of the day, it is too early to write off Henderson. That said, the comparison with Judkins up until this point in their respective rookie campaigns is not one the Patriots’ youngster can win.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...iots-treveyon-henderson-comparison-nfl-week-8
 
9 former Patriots advance in 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame voting

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he Pro Football Hall of Fame has reduced its list of candidates still in the race for induction in 2026. In a first round of cuts, the original ballot of 128 former players was reduced to 52. The New England Patriots are well-represented on that list.

In total, nine of the 52 men signed a deal with the organization at one point. Seven of those nine actually saw game action as Patriots.

Offensive candidates​

RB Fred Taylor, WR Torry Holt*, WR Reggie Wayne*, G Logan Mankins
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A member of the NFL’s Team of the 2010s as well as several commemorative Patriots teams, Logan Mankins was a mainstay at left guard during his nine seasons with the club between 2005 and 2013. Starting all 130 games he appeared in, plus 17 playoff contests along the way, he proved himself one of the best interior offensive linemen of his era. He was voted to six All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls during a career that also featured a two-year stint in Tampa toward the end.

Fred Taylor, Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, meanwhile, have one thing in common: they all joined New England toward the tail end of their legendary careers.

Among them, Taylor is the only one to actually make it out of training camp and appear in a game as a Patriot. He saw action in 13 contests and a playoff game between 2009 and 2010, and finished his career with the club with a combined 108 carries for 425 yards and four touchdowns — a fraction of his total career rushing production of 12,308 rushing yards and 69 TDs on 2,663 carries.

Defensive candidates​

DT Vince Wilfork, LB James Harrison, CB Asante Samuel, S Rodney Harrison
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Of the four defensive candidates, two are already members of the Patriots Hall of Fame: Rodney Harrison and Vince Wilfork, who were both cornerstones of the team’s dynasty in the 2000s and 2010s.

Harrison saw action in 72 regular season and playoff games between 2003 and 2008, and along the way registered 28 interceptions as well as 11 sacks. He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and is a member of both their Hall of Fame and the Chargers’ as well as a member of both team’s 50th anniversary squads.

Wilfork played 179 total games during his 11 years in New England. The big-bodied defensive tackle registered 19 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, three interceptions on his way to helping the team win a pair of championships. A five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler, he too was voted to multiple all-Patriots teams.

Asante Samuel spent the first five of his 11 seasons with in New England, playing in 89 games for the team and winning two Super Bowls. He led the NFL in interceptions twice and is the league’s all-time leader in career playoff pick-sixes with four, three of those as a member of the Patriots.

James Harrison, meanwhile, played the final four games of his career for the team in 2017. While he built the foundation of his Hall of Fame case in Pittsburgh, he did help New England with the AFC title in his lone season with the club.

Special teams candidates​

K Adam Vinatieri
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After missing out on the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Adam Vinatieri seems like a strong candidate again in 2026. One of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, he kicked game-winning field goals in two Super Bowl, is the owner of four total rings between his time in New England and Indianapolis, and can claim several NFL kicking and longevity records.

In a next step in the voting process, 25 semifinalists will be announced in about five weeks time; they will be later reduced to 15 finalists. A number of players — including Torry Holt and Adam Vinatieri — will automatically make it to this round given that they reached the final list of seven modern-era players last year.

In addition to them, the Patriots also have Bill Belichick in the race for the Hall of Fame. The six-time Super Bowl champion is among 12 coaching nominees competing for induction in 2026.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/nfl-hall...wilfork-2026-pro-football-hall-of-fame-voting
 
Patriots vs. Browns Thursday injury report: Craig Woodson, Kyle Dugger among seven limited

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As the New England Patriots headed back to the practice fields, so did two rookies.

Outside linebacker Elijah Ponder and safety Craig Woodson returned for Thursday’s work on the Cleveland Browns. Due to knee and ankle ailments, respectively, both had been sidelined in Foxborough to open the week.

The Cal Poly Mustang and California Golden Bear joined a group of seven limited participants that also included veteran defensive back Kyle Dugger.

Here’s the second injury report as Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium nears.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

  • No players listed

Browns​

  • C Ethan Pocic (illness)
  • DT Adin Huntington (concussion)
  • S Rayshawn Jenkins (wrist, back)

While the Patriots practiced with a full 53-man roster on Thursday, the Browns found themselves down three. Pocic on the offensive line and Jenkins in the defensive backfield were new non-participants, while Huntington remained out while in the NFL’s concussion protocol. But a starting wide receiver returned for Cleveland after missing the initial session of the week with a knee injury.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

  • WR Stefon Diggs (chest)
  • OT Morgan Moses (not injury related — other)
  • DT Khyiris Tonga (knee)
  • LB Harold Landry III (ankle)
  • LB Elijah Ponder (knee)
  • S Craig Woodson (ankle)
  • S Kyle Dugger (knee)

Browns​

  • WR Jerry Jeudy (knee)
  • TE David Njoku (knee)
  • OT Jack Conklin (not injury related — rest)
  • CB Tyson Campbell (quad)

While Ponder’s role has brought 80 snaps on special teams this season for the Patriots, Woodson’s role has brought a team-high 412 snaps on defense. The No. 106 overall pick has served as a starting safety since the September opener, tallying 34 tackles, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery. And for back-to-back Sundays this October, Dugger has accompanied him in New England’s starting secondary. The longest tenure left there has since landed on the injury report due to a knee issue.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

  • DT Christian Barmore (not injury related — other)
  • CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring)
  • CB Charles Woods (knee)
  • S Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring)

Browns​

  • TE Blake Whiteheart (shoulder)
  • G Joel Bitonio (not injury related — rest)
  • DT Maliek Collins (not injury related — rest)
  • DT Mason Graham (knee)
  • DT Mike Hall Jr. (knee)
  • DT Shelby Harris (knee)
  • CB Denzel Ward (hip)
  • S Grant Delpit (toe)

With Barmore upgraded from the partial group, four Patriots were available in full on Thursday. Gonzalez’ hamstring injury has continued to be monitored since the reigning All-Pro cornerback returned after three games missed. But Hawkins’ own hamstring injury has now resulted in two games missed. The starting safety went from questionable to inactive 90 minutes prior to kickoff last weekend at Nissan Stadium along with Woods, an August waiver claim at corner.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ijah-ponder-craig-woodson-kyle-dugger-limited
 
Patriots fan rooting guide for NFL Week 8

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The New England Patriots are entering Week 8 as winners of four straight games. To make it five in a row, they will need to be able to beat the 2-5 Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m.

That game is one of 13 played across the league this weekend. Here is who Patriots fans should root for in the other 12.

Thursday​

8:15 p.m. ET​


Minnesota Vikings (3-3) at Los Angeles Chargers (4-3): Go Vikings! The Chargers might end up competing for a playoff spot with the Patriots, so any and all losses on their part are welcome particularly against an NFC opponent. | Amazon

Sunday​

1 p.m. ET​


Miami Dolphins (1-6) at Atlanta Falcons (3-3): Go Falcons! The Patriots have both teams on their schedule, so we are rooting for the NFC side over the division rival. | CBS

Chicago Bears (4-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-5): Go Bears! This is a “better to be safe than sorry” pick. A Ravens loss would negatively impact New England’s strength of schedule tiebreaker, but it would also keep them at one win and therefore away from competing for the playoffs once Lamar Jackson returns. | CBS

Buffalo Bills (4-2) at Carolina Panthers (4-3): Go Panthers! The Patriots have played and beaten both teams, so no tiebreakers would be impacted. The decision is easy either way: rooting against the AFC East team is the way to go. | FOX

New York Jets (0-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4): Go Jets! We just spoke about rooting against the AFC East team and here we are picking the Jets? Yes, indeed, for two reasons: 1.) New York winning some meaningless games might end up costing them the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft, and 2.) The Bengals are still very much a competitor for a playoff spot even at 3-4. | CBS

San Francisco 49ers (5-2) at Houston Texans (2-4): Go Niners! Similar to other games this week, this game features an NFC team against an AFC squad with playoff aspirations. NFC all the way. | FOX

New York Giants (2-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2): Go Giants! There is one reason why the Patriots should be rooting for the Giants in this all-NFC matchup: the strength of schedule (and possibly also strength of victory) tiebreaker. The Patriots are hosting the Giants at Gillette Stadium in Week 13. | FOX

4:05 p.m. ET​


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) at New Orleans Saints (1-6): Go Saints! New England has both teams on their schedule, and already beaten the Saints. For the sake of the strength of victory tiebreaker, we are playing it safe even if it might end up costing the Patriots a few spots in the seventh-round draft order next year (they own New Orleans’ 2026 seventh-round selection because of the Davon Godchaux trade). | FOX

4:25 p.m. ET​


Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) at Denver Broncos (5-2): Go Cowboys! The 5-2 Broncos are making a definitive push for the playoffs in the AFC. Any losses suffered by them is giving New England more wiggle room. | CBS

Tennessee Titans (1-6) at Indianapolis Colts (6-1): Go Titans! The Patriots’ strength of schedule and victory tiebreakers would benefit from a Titans upset win. | CBS

8:20 p.m. ET​


Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): Go Packers! The Patriots’ strength of schedule would suffer with a Steelers loss, but so would a competitor for playoff seeding in the AFC. It’s a pill worth swallowing. | NBC

Monday​

8:15 p.m. ET​


Washington Commanders (3-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3): Go Commanders! NFC versus AFC playoff competitor. This is clear as day. | ESPN/ABC


Now it’s your turn. Who are you rooting for this week? And what do you think about the games as they unfold? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts and discuss.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/112376/rooting-guide-nfl-week-8-tnf-snf-mnf
 
Lawrence Guy signs ceremonial contract to retire a Patriot

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Defensive tackle Lawrence Guy was back in Foxborough on Friday to sign a contract with the New England Patriots. This one, however, was of a ceremonial nature: the 35-year-old celebrated his retirement from the NFL by signing a one-day deal with the club he played for from 2017 to 2023.

For Guy, that is a fitting way to end his career.

“I wanted to do it in New England because New England was my home,” he explained at a press conference at Gillette Stadium. “They always say the grass is greener on the other side. New England brought me in. They watered me. They let me grow. They made sure I was going to be the pinnacle where I needed to be. And it’s a blessing that I get to be here to do this.”

Officially and always a Patriot @thatLGUY! pic.twitter.com/4e4u8ck8ra

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 24, 2025
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A Las Vegas native, Guy spent his college career at Arizona State and entered the NFL in 2011 as a seventh-round draft pick with the Green Bay Packers. The early portion of his career was marked by instability: over his first six years as a pro, he played for four different organizations and besides Green Bay also spent time in Indianapolis, San Diego and Baltimore.

Along the way, Guy appeared in 72 combined regular season and playoff games with 20 starts. After he joined the Patriots as a free agent in 2017, however, he started to find some stability: he became a mainstay along the team’s defensive line and over his seven years as a Patriot added 118 more games and 111 starts to his résumé.

Among those games was Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, a contest and season Guy still has fond memories of.

“I talk about one memory all the time: Super Bowl, me and my oldest were the first two persons to kiss the Lombardi [Trophy],” he said. “It was an amazing experience, able to go before all the little germs got on it. Because think about that: you’re kissing that trophy after everybody else, that’s nasty; you think about what’s going on. We were the first. I said, ‘We’re going to do this.’ …

“We won the SuperBowl. If you look look at the beginning of that year, we were doing terrible. We lost to every bad team. Was it Detroit? We lost to the Jaguars. We were just on a spree of this bad luck and we sat there as a unit and said, ‘We’re going to do what it takes to improve to go to the championship.’ And nobody believed in it. We did it, though.”

When Guy left the team after the 2023 season to close out his career with a one-year stint in Cincinnati, he did so not just as a one-time Super Bowl champion and member of the Patriots’ Team of the 2010s but also somebody who had made a constant impact off the field. His charitable efforts were recognized in 2021, when he earned the Ron Burton Community Service Award, and in 2022, when he was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year trophy.

Unselfishness was a theme for guy both off and on the field.

“When I look at my career, I look at the way that we should do it as a player. I wasn’t selfish. I didn’t think about myself. I wanted to make sure that the person next to me had the same success that I did because that person was going to make sure I made a play,” he said. “I made plays for that person to make plays. And it’s one of those things that when you lay your head down at night, you understand that you did what you could when you could do it and left it on the field.

“And if you’re able to leave it on the field, you can never look at a bad decision or the good decision. Every decision was a great decision because you brought this brotherhood that you could never get back. I’m not going to miss going out there and hitting somebody. You are always going to say you’re going to miss the game because the game is what you miss. The friendship, the fraternity that you are having.”

The Patriots honoring Guy will continue on Sunday. He will serve as “Keeper of the Light” ahead of the team’s Week 8 contest against the Cleveland Browns.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...9/lawrence-guy-ceremonial-contract-retirement
 
Patriots vs. Browns Friday injury report: Kyle Dugger questionable for Week 8

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The New England Patriots will be close to full strength against the Cleveland Browns.

No member of the 53-man roster has been ruled out for Week 8. Instead, safety Kyle Dugger moves forward as the lone questionable game status in Foxborough, Mike Vrabel announced during his Friday press conference.

“But other than that, pretty quiet,” the head coach said.

A similar prognosis goes for AFC North visitors. Here’s the final injury report leading up to Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium.

QUESTIONABLE​

Patriots​

  • S Kyle Dugger (knee)

Browns​

  • TE David Njoku (knee)
  • DT Adin Huntington (concussion)

Dugger had been added to New England’s injury report as a limited participant on Thursday due to a knee issue. And despite not being spotted during the media portion of Friday’s in-stadium practice, the top pick in the organization’s 2020 draft class finished as the only partial player. He has made four starts while appearing in every game this fall. The 29-year-old Lenoir-Rhyne product stands with 17 tackles across 184 snaps on defense and 77 snaps on special teams.

The 5-2 Patriots enter the weekend with reinforcements atop the safety depth chart. Veteran Jaylinn Hawkins has been a full participant for three consecutive days after being inactive for consecutive starts due to a hamstring injury. In addition, rookie Craig Woodson, who leads the defense with 98.1 percent of the snaps played, returned for back-to-back sessions after missing one with an ankle issue.

Both will go without game designations. Among others recently listed, the green light also holds true for wide receiver Stefon Diggs, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, defensive tackles Christian Barmore and Khyiris Tonga, outside linebackers Harold Landry III and Elijah Ponder, as well as cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Charles Woods.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ry-report-kyle-dugger-questionable-nfl-week-8
 
Patriots elevate running back Terrell Jennings, safety Richie Grant on eve of Week 8

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The New England Patriots will host the Cleveland Browns with added depth in both backfields.

The organization elevated running back Terrell Jennings and safety Richie Grant from the practice squad on the eve of Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium.

Jennings, 24, now stands at the NFL limit after serving as a call-up for three consecutive weeks. Any further appearances would require a 53-man roster transaction. With veteran Antonio Gibson on injured reserve, the sophomore out of Florida A&M has stepped into a running back depth chart featuring starter Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. This fall, he has rushed for 18 yards across a handful of carries while logging 15 snaps on special teams as part of punt returns, kickoff returns and kickoff coverage.

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after attending rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, Jennings spent last campaign between the practice squad and active roster. The 6-foot, 217-pound back appeared in three games over that span, turning 13 carries into 33 yards. He was retained after clearing waivers at the league’s deadline in August.

Grant, 27, joined the practice squad in Foxborough midway through October following injuries at safety. A veteran of 67 NFL games, the Central Florida product entered the league in the second round of the 2021 draft at pick No. 40 overall. He spent four years with the Atlanta Falcons before making an offseason stop with the San Francisco 49ers.

A 33-game starter, Grant’s career includes 275 tackles along with three sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back twice eclipsed the century mark in tackles while in the NFC South. His run has brought 2,479 snaps on defense and 1,071 snaps on special teams.

New England’s final injury report of the week saw third safety Kyle Dugger listed as questionable due to a knee issue. Yet after dealing with hamstring and ankle issues at the position, starters Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson move forward without game designations.

Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...richie-grant-practice-squad-nfl-week-8-browns
 
Patriots vs. Browns highlights: 7 moments that defined the Pats’ win

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Another Sunday, another New England Patriots victory. Facing off against the Cleveland Browns, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel secured its fifth win in a row with a final score of 32-13.

Here is a Patriots-centric view at some of the key moments of the game.

Moment No. 1: Tone setter​

a history-making sack for @flash_garrett!!#CLEvsNE on FOX and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/xxivvX2I98

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 26, 2025
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“I think if God created a pass rusher, he’d probably mold him into Myles Garrett,” was how Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith described the Browns star defender earlier this week. Even though the end result does not necessarily reflect it, the team struggled slowing Garrett down all day: he ended the day with a franchise record five sacks.

Moment No. 2: Momentum swing​

.@popshotta3 IN SPACE‼️@DrakeMaye2 | #NEPats

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/6n1krfTEb9

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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In part due to Myles Garrett being a menace, the Patriots offense struggled in the first half. Late in the second quarter, however, the unit started showing some signs of progress: with a 44-yard hookup from Drake Maye to DeMario Douglas to convert a 3rd-and-3 as the key play, the team managed to take a 9-7 lead into intermission. It never looked back.

Moment(s) No. 3: In the bag​

A little trick & treat for the first 🍬@DrakeMaye2 | @mackhollins

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/yu0QReAd6O

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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The Patriots came out of intermission in style. After forcing a three-and-out on defense, they drove 77 yards in seven plays to score their first touchdown of the day. The series was masterfully called by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and well-executed by the players, with a double pass from Rhamondre Stevenson to Drake Maye to Mack Hollins a perfect example of the creative designs used and the job being done by the men on the field.

The drive itself was capped by Drake Maye finding Hunter Henry on a short toss, and the veteran tight end making his way into the end zone for a 7-yard TD.

Drake to Hunter for the TD 💥@DrakeMaye2 | @Hunter_Henry84

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/7QIlcBjvud

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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Moment No. 4: Picked off​

SPILL TAKE IT AWAY 🙌@14rspillane | #NEPats

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/EaKnHLaBHk

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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After giving up a touchdown on its first series, the Patriots defense put the clamps on Cleveland’s offense. One of the unit’s biggest plays of the game came in the third quarter, on the very next drive succeeding the Hunter Henry touchdown. Robert Spillane managed to intercept Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and returned the ball 33 yards.

Moment No. 5: End zone debut​

Welcome to the end zone, Stefon Diggs 👏

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/NdaWpMsKsJ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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Three plays after Robert Spillane’s interception, the Patriots capitalized when Drake Maye found Stefon Diggs from 1-yard out to blow the game wide open. The touchdown did not only give the team a comfortable lead, it also was a milestone for its recipient: Diggs had not found the end zone up until that point in his time with the team.

Naturally, he was amped up about his first score as a Patriot.

8 is FIRED UP 🔥@budlight | #ForTheCelly pic.twitter.com/rHlFxTlo3g

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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Moment No. 6: Ball Hawk​

Ball HAWKINS

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/jJCEJUxgL6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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Down 16 points in the late third quarter, the Browns were under pressure to get going offensively. That led to their young QB getting aggressive — an approach that backfired five plays after his first interception. This time, safety Jaylinn Hawkins managed to pick Dillon Gabriel off. While he did not get a chance to run the pick back, it still helped set up yet another New England score.

Moment No. 7: Old reliable​

BOUTTE BOMB 💣@DrakeMaye2 | @KayshonBoutte1

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/swF9gYUYS8

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 26, 2025
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The Patriots went back to a familiar formula to score their final touchdown of the day against the Browns: Drake Maye finding Kayshon Boutte deep. This time, the duo connected on a 39-yard TD that very much put the nail in Cleveland’s coffin and further cemented Boutte’s status as a legitimate deep threat.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ighlights-key-moments-recap-nfl-week-8-browns
 
AFC playoff picture: Patriots continue sitting pretty after Browns win

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The New England Patriots keep riding high. Following their 32-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, they have now won five straight games and remain in a good position in the race for the postseason.

Owning a 6-2 record, they remain the top team in the AFC East and on track to host a playoff game come January. Obviously, there is a long way to go before that happens, but with just the Sunday and Monday night games of Week 8 missing, here is what the playoff picture in the AFC currently looks like:

  1. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
  2. New England Patriots (6-2)
  3. Denver Broncos (6-2)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
  5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)

On the bubble: 8. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3), 9. Houston Texans (3-4)

Not technically eliminated but let’s be real here: 10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), 11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5), 12. Baltimore Ravens (2-5), 13. Cleveland Browns (2-6), 14. Miami Dolphins (2-6), 15. New York Jets (1-7), 16. Tennessee Titans (1-7)

It is looking increasingly likely that no more than eight or nine teams will end up competing for the playoffs in the AFC. The Chiefs are a legitimate threat for one of the top seven spots, while Houston has had some positive moments this season as well. The Bengals, meanwhile, just allowed the previously winless Jets to earn their first victory of the season and since the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow have not played playoff-worthy football.

For the Patriots, of course, this is welcome news. While they are very much in control of their own destiny at this point, the more teams play themselves out of the picture, the more wiggle room they get.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/around-the-nfl/112592/afc-playoff-picture-nfl-week-8-browns
 
Patriots’ Terrell Jennings closing in on 53-man roster spot after final reversion

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The final standard elevation is now in the rearview for Terrell Jennings. A move to the 53-man roster of the New England Patriots is ahead.

It just didn’t become official to begin the week.

The running back reverted to the practice squad along with safety Richie Grant, a recent signing, on Monday. Both served as call-ups for what became a 32-13 win over the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium.

“I think we all want Terrell here,” Patriots head Mike Vrabel said during his day-after press conference. “So, however we have to handle that, I mean, the only other option is just to bring him up. He’s been a good addition. He’s been prepared for his opportunity. He’s helped on special teams, had a tackle yesterday on kickoff. And so, those are all really good things. I think he’s a good teammate. So, yeah, I think that’s only probably procedural at the end of the week.”

Jennings, 24, stands at the NFL limit in elevations. The Florida A&M product has been active for three consecutive weeks. He’s filled out a backfield depth chart led by starter Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson following veteran Antonio Gibson’s placement on injured reserve with a torn ACL.

October saw Jennings handle 14 snaps on offense and 27 snaps on special teams. The Patriots sophomore rushed for 33 yards across seven carries, led by a long of 11. The first career tackle of his career also arrived against returner Malachi Corley on Sunday.

Agreeing to terms as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after a tryout, Jennings began his rookie campaign on the practice squad. The 6-foot, 217-pound running back finished it on the 53-man roster and appeared in three games before re-signing to the scout team in August. His promotion will require a corresponding transaction.

But a pair of standard elevations remain for the veteran safety who debuted over the weekend.

Grant, 27, joined New England’s practice squad midway through the month. The 6-foot, 200-pounder played nine snaps on special teams and notched one stop for a group down Kyle Dugger, who went from questionable to inactive with a knee injury.

Now 68 games in, Grant entered the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2021 draft. The No. 40 overall pick out of Central Florida made 33 starts while in the NFC South, totaling 275 tackles along with three sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He logged 2,479 snaps on defense and 1,071 snaps on special teams during his stay.

Earlier on Monday, the Tennessee Titans signed outside linebacker Truman Jones away from the practice squad in Foxborough, according to his agency.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...atriots-practice-squad-mike-vrabel-nfl-week-8
 
NFL playoff picture: Where the Patriots stand after Week 8

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The New England Patriots have not been in the playoffs since the 2021 season, but their drought could be nearing its end. Winning a fifth straight game on Sunday versus the Cleveland Browns to improve to 6-2 on the year, the club of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel remains in the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

That position paired with a schedule that features only two more opponents with winning records means that the Patriots are facing a very favorable outlook. In fact, according to the playoff simulator over at The Athletic, they currently have a 96% chance of qualifying for the tournament — an increase of 4% compared to last week.

AFC playoff picture after Week 8​

  1. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
  2. New England Patriots (6-2)
  3. Denver Broncos (6-2)
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
  5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
  7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)

On the bubble: 8. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3), 9. Houston Texans (3-4)

Not technically eliminated but let’s be real here: 10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), 11. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5), 12. Baltimore Ravens (2-5), 13. Cleveland Browns (2-6), 14. Miami Dolphins (2-6), 15. New York Jets (1-7), 16. Tennessee Titans (1-7)

Nearing the halfway point of the season, the playoff picture in the AFC is starting to take shape. And what this means is that we can rule out a large portion of the conference already when it comes to postseason outlook: up to seven teams might be best served planning for the future, the lone exception possibly being a Ravens team that despite standing at 2-5 has a shot at the postseason due to the Steelers also not looking particularly hot atop the AFC North either.


The NFC playoff picture, meanwhile, looks as follows:

NFC playoff picture after Week 8​

  1. Green Bay Packers (5-1-1)
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
  3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
  4. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
  5. Detroit Lions (5-2)
  6. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
  7. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)

On the bubble: 8. Chicago Bears (4-3), 9. Carolina Panthers (4-4), 10. Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1), 11. Atlanta Falcons (3-4), 12. Minnesota Vikings (3-4), 13. Washington Commanders (3-5)

Not technically eliminated but let’s be real here: 14. Arizona Cardinals (2-5), 15. New York Giants (2-6), 16. New Orleans Saints (1-7)

The NFC remains more wide open than its counterpart at this point in the season. While teams like the Vikings and Commanders are reeling at the moment, they too could still end up making some noise in the battle for wild card spots in the conference.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...nalysis/112738/nfl-playoff-picture-nfl-week-8
 
#PostPulpit Mailbag: Submit your questions for this week

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The winning streak continued for the New England Patriots as they now find themselves 6-2 on the season in the midst of five straight victories. Now, New England gets set to return to end a two-game home stand at Gillette Stadium with an out-of-conference matchup against the Atlanta Falcons..

So, submit any Patriots questions — or whatever else is on your mind — down in the comments below or on Twitter using #PostPulpit.

Stay tuned for Friday’s updated mailbag.
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Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...t-mailbag-submit-your-questions-for-this-week
 
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