The New England Patriots made a big move Tuesday, releasing 27-year-old outside linebacker Jose Ramirez from their 53-man roster. This isn’t just about one player hitting the waiver wire; it’s a clear signal that the team is gearing up for some significant activations from the injury lists, opening up not one, but *two* crucial roster spots just when they need them most.
The Edge Turnover Continues To Roll In Foxborough
Let’s be real, the edge position for the Patriots has been a constant question mark all the way back to the offseason, and this move just keeps that merry-go-round spinning. Ramirez joined the team via the practice squad in early September, then got promoted to the active roster later that same month. That promotion happened right before fellow edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins went on injured reserve with a Week 2 knee injury. Hutchins is still out for at least two more games. Then you’ve got team captain Harold Landry, who’s eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list but hasn’t even hit the practice field yet. Right now, the active roster depth consists of Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, and Gabe Jacas, with Xavier Holmes and Benton Whitley on the practice squad. Ramirez was, in the truest sense of the word, a depth guy. He saw 30 total snaps in two games, with only eight on defense in that Week 3 blowout loss to Jacksonville. The rest were special teams snaps against the Jaguars and Bills, where he nabbed one kicking game tackle. He wasn’t bad, but his tenure was quiet, and frankly, the team clearly thinks they can better allocate that roster spot.
Two Spots Open: Who’s Coming Back To The Fight?
Here’s the real juice: releasing Ramirez means the Patriots now have two open spots on their 53-man roster. And guess what? There are five players who just became eligible to return from various injury lists! We’re talking Harold Landry from PUP, safety Brenden Schooler from NFI, offensive tackle Marcus Bryant from IR, linebacker Khalil Jacobs from IR, and punter Bryce Baringer from IR. Schooler seems like a lock to be activated soon, which would fill one of those spots. As for the other, don’t expect it to go to Baringer; who needs two punters, right? If Baringer does get activated, it’s probably the end of the road for stand-in punter Mitch Wishnowsky. That leaves Landry, Bryant, and Jacobs as the most likely candidates to fill that second opening. Of course, the Patriots could always pull a surprise and sign someone else, especially with Mack Hollins’ injury looming.
So, the stage is set. While Ramirez is gone, the Patriots are about to get a potential influx of talent back on the field. Keep an eye on those injury lists, because the coming days could see some key players making their return, potentially changing the dynamic of this squad heading into their next matchup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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