The New England Patriots have traded for three offensive linemen in the last few days: a guard, a tackle and a center. Clearly, they are not happy with their depth on the line, as they have gone outside the organization for more help. The real question is: What effect will the trades have on the initial 53-man roster?
My hope is that it’s a simple solution.
First of all, we have to assume that Korey Cunningham, Jermaine Eluemunor and Russell Bodine all make the initial 53. There’s no way the Patriots would have a chance to make any kind of assessment of the players, since they just traded for them. Combine that with the fact that they gave up draft picks to get them, and there’s no way they get cut tomorrow.
I also assume that the trades mean that David Andrews won’t be playing at all this season, and is headed to injured reserve. This is obviously a disappointment, but his health comes first and foremost. Secondly, rookie Hjalte Froholdt out of Arkansas is probably headed to IR, as well. He’s not getting cut, and there doesn’t seem to be a roster spot for him. With the injuries that he’s suffered in the preseason, there’s an easy case to be made for Froholdt heading to IR and taking this season as almost a redshirt year.
By putting Andrews and Froholdt on IR, it will allow the Patriots to keep only eight offensive linemen, and still have room for multiple bubble players, read: fan favorites, who can help on special teams.
Pat is a host of The Patriot Nation Podcast
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