Patriots face defensive depth issues ahead of roster cuts
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 10:45 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
The New England Patriots completed their preseason on August 27 with a 37-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike Vrabel expressed concerns about team depth, particularly on defense. The Patriots are tasked with trimming their roster from 91 to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET while preparing for Week 1 against Seattle. Given the team's struggles, Vrabel hinted at seeking improvements via the waiver wire.
- •Patriots lost to Browns, finishing preseason on August 27.
- •Mike Vrabel cited significant concerns about defensive depth.
- •Patriots must finalize their 53-man roster by Sunday evening.
- •Team will look to the waiver wire for potential upgrades.
- •Starters did not play in the preseason for health reasons.
- 10:45 AMYahoo Sports — Sunday Patriots Notes: Defensive depth a concern as cutdown deadline looms
"Notes and thoughts about the roster depth, Christian Gonzalez’s frustration, Gabe Jacas’ development, and more.
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