New England Patriots Potential Starters, Bubble Players To Watch In Preseason Finale

The preseason finale is always tough, especially for those player who fight for a roster spot. The New England Patriots are trying out a bunch of new names. However, they may play players that are one level above the lower line of their roster Thursday night.

If a player doesn’t hit the field, he is usually considered a roster lock. How to tell if a player’s status is confirmed? Roster locks don’t play in games of this kind.

Doug Kyed discussed a few Patriots players we should keep an eye on.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer is one of them. Belichick didn’t put him on the field during the Patriots’ third preseason game. Playing in the preseason finale won’t be a good sign for him. The Patriots have a few options. They may cut Hoyer and keep Jarrett Stidham as a backup player for Tom Brady. They may keep both quarterbacks.

Josh Gordon is able to play with the team, and so is Demaryius Thomas. We may see them play in the preseason finale. Gordon is officially removed of the NFI list. Belichick may let him play to get in the groove. Thomas tore his Achilles in December, and the team activated him off of the PUP list.

Ryan Izzo may not play Thursday. If he is out for the game, the Patriots will probably add him to the 53-man roster. He was an excellent blocker this summer, and Belichick likes his pass-catching skills.

David Andrews will be out for quite some time, and Ted Karras is expected to play center. Andrew’s health condition may open enough room for Tyler Gauthier, Dan Skipper, James Ferentz and Cole Croston.

The Patriots cut Mike Pennel this week, making enough room for David Parry. If his final preseason game is strong, he may make the active roster.

Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Ja’Whaun Bentley are locks and near-locks. Will Elandon Roberts stay? The same applies to Calvin Munson.

Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, JC Jackson, Jonathan Jones and Joejuan Williams are also locks, so Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen will have to fight for a spot.

Duron Harmon is considered safe after Patrick Chung faced his charges.