Report: Patriots Adding Two Players To Active Roster For Season Finale

The New England Patriots will add two practice unit players to their active roster for the final game of their regular season. The team will meet the New York Jets on Sunday, and many would agree that this is the first preseason game of the year.

New England had to deal with too many injuries this season. They will use two reserves from the practice unit to play the regular-season finale.

The Patriots signed linebacker Cassh Maluia to the active roster as confirmed by several sources. The team leevated guard Ross Reynolds to the active roster from the practice unit, too.

Patriots strengthen the active roster

Maluia will be a traditional linebacker for the team. The Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Wyoming. Josh Uche is on injured reserve due to his foot issue. Anfernee Jennings is out with shoulder injury and Terez Hall deals with an ankle issue. Ja’Whaun Bentley joins the group. He recovers from his shoulder injury. All players are listed as questionable for the team’s Week 17 game. Jennings and Uche dind’t show up for practice. Bentley saw limited action but didn’t play in the game against the Buffalo Bills.

If Jennings, Hall, and Bentley didn’t join their teammates for Sunday’s game, New England will have to rely on Maluia, outside linebackers Chase Winovich and John Simon, and safeties Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger. Shilique Calhoun has seen snaps in the box but he may not play due to his knee injury.

Maluia has played eight games in 2020. He spent most of his rookie campaign on special teams with eight snaps on defense.

Reynolds will strengthen the Patriots’ offensive line depth. The Patriots ruled out center David Andrews and right guard Shaq Mason for Week 17. New England will probably start Justin Herron at left tackle, Joe Thuney at left guard, James Ferentz at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard, and Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. Reynolds, Korey Cunningham, and Marcus Martin will add depth to the unit.

Week 17 is not really important for the team as they are out of the playoff picture.