The Patriots are rolling into Week 1 with a new punter, and it’s a shocker. Bryce Baringer landed on injured reserve Monday after picking up an injury in the final preseason game, meaning the team is scrambling to get things sorted for the opener.
Punting Puzzle for Week 1
Baringer’s injury in that final preseason matchup means he’s out for at least the first four games. That’s a huge blow to special teams right out of the gate. What’s even wilder is that the Patriots didn’t immediately put a punter on their 53-man roster. Instead, they moved quickly to sign Mitch Wishnowsky to the practice squad after the Bills released him Sunday. So, we’ll definitely see a fresh leg handling punts when Week 1 kicks off, and it’s a situation that developed incredibly fast.
Roster Shuffle Continues
The punter situation isn’t the only roster move the team made. Linebacker Khalil Jacobs also hit injured reserve, adding to the list of players sidelined early. The Patriots also released linebacker K.J. Britt and center Ben Brown. On the flip side, they claimed tight end Cameron Latu and linebacker Darius Muasau off waivers, creating a couple of open spots on the active roster. Plus, a whole crew of players who were part of New England’s final cuts are now back on the practice squad. That list includes S Mike Brown, WR Kyle Dixon, WR Cameron Dorner, DT Eric Gregory, RB Hassan Haskins, RB Lan Larison, T Lorenz Metz, DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr., OL Jacob Rizy, CB Kindle Vildor, and LB Riley Wilson.
So, Week 1 is gonna look a little different. The depth chart is shifting big time, and with these practice squad additions, it feels like the Patriots are trying to fine-tune everything for what’s coming. Gonna be interesting to see how this all shakes out in the early part of the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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