Entering training camp, no position on the New England Patriots’ roster was under a greater spotlight than quarterback. A few weeks later, the biggest of questions seems to be answered: Cam Newton is undisputed as the Patriots’ starter coming off an impressive regular season debut. Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham are meanwhile serving as the second and third options behind him, respectively.
Despite carrying three quarterbacks on its active roster, however, New England is still not done addressing the depth behind the trio: as first reported by ESPN’s Tim Graham, the team has added Jacob Dolegala via its practice squad. Dolegala was worked out by the club last week, and has apparently left a positive impression on the Patriots’ decision makers.
The 23-year-old originally arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agency signing by the Cincinnati Bengals. A four-year starter at Central Connecticut, he was able to carve out a role on the team’s active roster as a third quarterback. That said, his only in-game action as a rookie came in preseason: appearing in two exhibition games last year, he completed 37 of 53 pass attempts for 347 yards and two touchdowns.
While Dolegala showed some promise in his first year in the league, the Bengals, who had drafted Joe Burrow first overall in April, decided to release him as part of their final roster cutdowns earlier this month. Now, he has found a new job on a team that will have to make a follow-up transaction to fit the second-year passer onto its 16-man developmental roster.
For the time being, and with Dolegala’s signing not yet official, New England’s practice squad looks as follows:
G/OT Caleb Benenoch, TE/LB Rashod Berry, LB Tashawn Bower, CB Myles Bryant, TE Jake Burt, K Nick Folk, LB Terez Hall, WR Mason Kinsey, DT Bill Murray, K Justin Rohrwasser, CB D’Angelo Ross, WR Devin Ross, DT Nick Thurman, WR Kristian Wilkerson, DT Xavier Williams, WR Isaiah Zuber
The Patriots do have two open spots on their 53-man roster, though, and could therefore decide to use a promotion to free up a spot for Dolegala.