Patriots waive veteran offensive lineman James Ferentz, opening 53-man roster spot

The New England Patriots waived interior offensive lineman James Ferentz from the 53-man roster amid a series of Monday transactions.

Ferentz, 32, had appeared in three games and started two this season. The former Iowa Hawkeye twice served as a standard elevation and once served as a Covid-19 replacement before officially signing to the active roster on Oct. 27.

He dressed but did not play in Week 8 and Week 9.

Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Ferentz made stops with the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos before arriving in Foxborough in 2017. The two-time Super Bowl champion had seen 134 snaps between left and right guard in 2021. With the NFL trade deadline passed, Ferentz, a vested veteran, is now subject to be claimed.

The Patriots also announced the release of fullback Ben Mason and center Drake Jackson from the practice squad on Monday.

Mason, 22, signed to the scout team at its formation. The Michigan product was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft after playing on both sides of the ball and on special teams during his 45-game Wolverines career.

Jackson, 23, spent the spring and summer with the Detroit Lions and Texans after going undrafted out of Kentucky. The rookie pivot agreed to terms with the Patriots in September having started 44 consecutive games during his Wildcats tenure. A Reese’s Senior Bowl invite, Jackson earned second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press last year.

New England stands with an active roster of 52 and a practice squad of 14 following the departures.