On Thursday, the New England Patriots made a big move: The team claimed tight end Martellus Bennett, who was in New England last season, off waivers after he was cut by the Green Bay Packers. Naturally, the Patriots needed to make a corresponding roster move and they did so by letting defensive edge Geneo Grissom go. According to a team press release on Saturday evening, however, Grissom has been brought back via the practice squad.
The 25-year old originally entered the NFL as a third round draft pick by New England in 2015 and served as a depth defender and part-time special teamer his rookie season. Grissom initially failed to make the Patriots' roster in 2016 but after a five-week stint on the practice squad was promoted to the active team. He finished the season as a core special teamer that saw only marginal playing time on defense en route to New England's win in Super Bowl LI.
Grissom's 2017 campaign began like his 2016 season: He was released during final cutdowns and subsequently signed to the practice squad. Two weeks into the season, the Oklahoma product was elevated yet again and has since been part of the Patriots' 53-man roster in his usual role. After claiming Bennett on Friday, Grissom was released and exposed to waivers himself. He did not get claimed and is now back on the team's practice squad.
To make room for Grissom, the Patriots opted to part ways with interior offensive lineman Anthony Fabiano. The 24-year old journeyman only joined the team's practice squad a couple of days ago. Due to the transactions, the 10-man squad now looks as follows:
OL James Ferentz
DE Geneo Grissom
WR Cody Hollister
DB David Jones
CB Ryan Lewis
WR Riley McCarron
DL Mike Purcell
DB Damarius Travis
TE Will Tye
DB Jomal Wiltz