2021 NFL roster cuts: Quarterback Brian Hoyer among Patriots’ final moves in establishing first 53

The NFL roster deadline passed Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET for the New England Patriots.

And it passed with rookie first-round pick Mac Jones as the lone quarterback on the initial 53.

Following the release of 2020 team captain Cam Newton, the Patriots also released backup Brian Hoyer, according to the NFL personnel wire. His absence from practice could prove brief as a vested veteran not subject to waivers with procedural moves ahead on Wednesday.

In his third tour with the organization he signed with as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2009, Hoyer started one game last regular season. The 35-year-old completed 13-of-17 passes for 117 yards during preseason relief appearances this August.

A total of 30 players were not spotted by media members during the open portion of cutdown day’s afternoon practice. Of whom, just under half were part of previously unreported transactions on the journey down from 80.

That group includes kicker Nick Folk, who has officially been released along with center James Ferentz. Offensive tackle Korey Cunningham, outside linebacker Tashawn Bower and cornerback Michael Jackson Sr. have been waived while defensive tackle Nick Thurman received the injury designation.

Additionally, New England placed former Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings on injured reserve, ending the 2020 third-round pick’s sophomore NFL season.

Players placed on injured reserve after the league’s 4 p.m. ET threshold on Wednesday are eligible to return to active rosters after a minimum of three weeks. Those beginning the regular season on physically unable to perform and the non-football injury list are eligible to do so after a minimum of six weeks.

Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and linebacker Terez Hall have been moved to reserve-PUP and safety Joshuah Bledsoe has been moved to reserve-NFI. They are joined there by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, defensive tackle Byron Cowart and linebacker Cameron McGrone as the calendar turns.

New England’s 2021 campaign kicks off Sept. 12 at Gillette Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.