Welcome to cutdown day!
By 4 p.m. Tuesday, every NFL team must trim its roster down to 53 players. Last week, the Patriots got a head start.
On Friday, they released 14 players — mostly roster long shots — and then waived young offensive guard Layden Robinson on Sunday with an injury designation. Entering Tuesday, the Pats have 23 spots left to clear either via release, trade or placement on injured reserve.
Candidates for IR include wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Efton Chism III and linebacker Jahlani Tavai. For a second straight year, teams can place up to two players on injured reserve during cutdown day with a designation to return midseason. Others placed on injured reserve before 4 p.m. will be out for the year.
Of note: any player with four-plus years of league service who receives his release can sign with a new team at any time. Players with fewer than four years of service are subject to waivers, where all NFL teams, starting with the Titans, Browns, Giants and Patriots, in order, can enter claims and add them Wednesday.
Follow the Herald’s live tracker for every Patriots release, waiver claim and rumor Tuesday.
Monday
8:30 p.m. The Patriots held a shorts-and-shells practice Monday afternoon.
Players absent or not participating included cornerback Christian Gonzalez, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive lineman Cole Strange, safety Marcus Epps, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson, inside linebacker Jack Gibbens, running back Terrell Jennings, cornerback Kobee Minor, defensive lineman David Olajiga and wide receivers Efton Chism III and Ja’Lynn Polk.
Polk will miss the season with a shoulder injury, while Gonzalez, Gibbens and likely Chism III are considered roster locks.
The Patriots have made Anfernee Jennings available, per sources, as well as veteran safety Kyle Dugger.
