The New England Patriots practice squad just got much bigger.
On Tuesday, New England added a monstrous offensive tackle prospect while releasing a defensive end. The move was made as the Patriots dealt with a rash of injuries to their offensive line ahead of Sunday’s season-opening road game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Giant O-Tackle Prospect Joins Patriots Practice Squad
The Patriots signed former Packers tackle Caleb Jones while releasing defensive end Brevin Allen. To say that Jones is a large human being would be a dramatic understatement.
Jones is listed at 6-foot-9, 370 pounds. To put that into perspective, former Patriot and current Bengal Trent Brown is listed at 6-foot-8, 380 pounds.
Jones went undrafted out of Indiana in 2022 and spent the last two seasons riding the practice-squad roller coaster in Green Bay. He dealt with multiple injuries and appeared in just one game.
Caleb Jones (LT) running over Ravens pic.twitter.com/rdd11jt6Oa
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 3, 2024
Jones is the only offensive tackle on New England’s practice squad, which includes four interior linemen.
The Patriots recently claimed two offensive tackles who joined the 53-man roster: 6-foot-6 Demontrey Jacobs and 6-foot-5 Zach Thomas.
Which Players Are on the Patriots Practice Squad?
New England now has a full 16-man practice squad, although the group includes a 17th player thanks to an NFL rule concerning international players. Here’s what the practice squad looked like as of Wednesday morning:
- WR Matt Landers
- WR Jalen Reagor
- TE Mitchell Wilcox
- RB Kevin Harris
- RB Terrell Jennings
- G Michael Jordan
- C Bryan Hudson
- G Jerome Carvin
- OL Liam Fornadel
- OT Caleb Jones
- DE Jotham Russell
- DT Trysten Hill
- CB Isaiah Bolden
- S A.J. Thomas
- LB Yvandy Rigby
- LB Ochaun Mathis
- LB Joe Giles-Harris
Now, about that rule.
Russell doesn’t count toward the 16 slots because he’s a member of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. A former Australian rugby player, Russell essentially allows the Patriots to carry a 17-man practice squad. He signed with New England during the offseason and fully participated throughout training camp.
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The practice squad includes two receivers, one tight end, two running backs, five offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, two defensive backs, and three linebackers.
Notably, the group doesn’t include a quarterback, which says a lot about the Patriots’ plans for rookie Drake Maye.
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