Patriots get good news on rookie, make surprise cut in Week 1 roster moves

Patriots get good news on rookie, make surprise cut in Week 1 roster moves
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during a news conference following a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)AP

The Patriots made a handful of roster moves, including an unexpected cut on Saturday and got good news on one injured player.

The Patriots signed defensive tackle Cory Durden to their 53-man roster from the practice squad and released Jeremiah Pharms Jr., a former defensive starter, who played in 16 games and made five starts last year.

They elevated defensive back Corey Ballentine and linebacker Mark Robinson from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

Left tackle Will Campbell, New England’s first-round pick, is officially questionable for the Patriots opener against the Raiders, but according to Jordan Schultz, he’s on track to make his NFL debut on Sunday.

Schultz tweeted:

“#Patriots rookie OT Will Campbell, listed as questionable (ankle), is on track to play Sunday vs the #Raiders, per league source

The fact that the Patriots didn’t elevate an offensive lineman from their practice squad supports that report.

The Patriots face the Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.

With Christian Gonzalez already ruled out, Ballantine’s elevation wasn’t a surprise.

Ballentine, 29, has played seven NFL seasons after the Giants selected him in the sixth round in 2019. He has played in 69 NFL games, including 11 starts. He also has special teams experience.

While Robinson is a linebacker, he evolved as a key special teams player in three seasons with the Steelers and played every game in 2023 and 2024, and made 36 tackles over the past two seasons. That’s likely the role he’s being elevated to play on Sunday.

The 5-foot-11, 236-pound 26-year-old was a seventh-round pick out of Mississippi in 2022.

The Patriots signed Durden, 26, to their practice squad on Aug. 28 after he was released by the Lions on cutdown day. He spent time on the Rams’ active roster last year.

  • What did Bill Belichick say when asked about banning the Patriots from UNC?
  • Patriots rule another cornerback out vs. Raiders
  • 5 things to watch in Patriots’ season opener vs. Raiders
  • Patriots host 3 tight ends for tryouts, including ex-Bills 6-foot-7 pass catcher

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

NFL Insider Drops Bombshell Micah Parsons Update That Packers Fans Have Been Desperate to Hear

Green Bay Packers fans have two great updates to enjoy about Micah Parsons on the eve of Week 1.

Chiefs Kingdom Angered Over ‘Egregious’ Act Against Travis Kelce

Those who follow the Kansas City Chiefs are not happy about the slap against Travis Kelce in the team’s opening game.

Brandon Aubrey Embraces Surprise Role as Cowboys Captain With Bold Message ‘Hopefully It Makes Them Better

For the first time since his youth club soccer team, Aubrey is a captain.

Start or Sit? Ricky Pearsall’s Week 1 Fantasy Football Outlook Could Surprise You

We break down the fantasy football outlook of Ricky Pearsall ahead of the 49ers’ Week 1 opener against the Seahawks.

Bіllѕ ‘Mаde а Cаll’ on Lаndіng $188 Mіllіon Edge Ruѕher

The Buffalo Bills called the Dallas Cowboys about the asking price for Micah Parsons, a new report revealed.

Shocker: Purdy’s Stunning Echo of 49ers’ Past QB Legend Sparks Hype, While His Explosive Play Proves He’s No Mere Copycat

Brock Purdy draws an interesting comparison to a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback from an ex-NFL running back.