The New England Patriots are doing pretty well right now. Heading into Week 7 of the 2025 campaign, they are currently holding the No. 1 seed in the AFC East, thanks in large part to an ongoing three-game win streak.
However, the team can’t get complacent, as there’s a lot of work left to do this season. With that in mind, the front office is always looking for moves to make, and on Wednesday, they made an intriguing addition to their practice squad.
With Jaylinn Hawkins battling a hamstring injury and Kyle Dugger struggling while filling in for him, the Pats took a flier on former second-round pick Richie Grant, as they signed him to the practice squad in hopes that he could help shore up their safety depth.
“Patriots sign S Richie Grant to the practice squad,” the team announced in a post on X.
Grant was taken with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, and he started 33 of the 67 games he played for them during his four years with the team. In 2023, Grant racked up 103 tackles, three sacks, one interception, six passes deflected, and two fumbles forced.
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Heading into 2024, though, Grant lost his starting job, and he ended up signing with the San Francisco 49ers over the offseason. He didn’t make their 53-man roster, though, and he’s been waiting for his next opportunity after getting released back in August.
If Hawkins is forced to miss more time, Grant could immediately find his way onto the active roster for Week 7, as Dugger and Dell Pettus have struggled to fill in alongside Craig Woodson as of late. With a wealth of starting experience under his belt, Grant’s status will be worth keeping tabs on over the next few days.
