One day after a loss that landed among the worst in franchise history, the Patriots made a pair of small but notable roster adjustments Monday.
New England announced it has released rookie tight end Tanner Arkin from the 53-man roster and edge rusher Jose Ramirez from the practice squad. No other moves were reported, which leaves the Patriots with one open spot on the active roster and one open spot on the practice squad.
Arkin’s exit trims a player who had carved out a niche during camp but never found much of a foothold once the season got rolling. The Illinois product was one of three undrafted free agents to make the initial 53-man roster after a strong summer, and his value came from versatility. He worked as a blocking tight end on the line and also saw time at fullback.
That role never really grew into anything significant. Before Week 1, the Patriots claimed Cameron Latu off waivers, giving them four tight ends on the active roster alongside Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon. Tanner Conner is also on the practice squad.
Arkin has been active for five games and a healthy scratch in four others. When Reggie Gilliam was injured in Week 4, New England turned to Arkin in more of a fullback role, but that experiment didn’t go smoothly. He logged 60 offensive snaps and 41 defensive snaps without recording a stat on either side of the ball.
His most notable miscue came against the Green Bay Packers, when he was flagged for illegal motion on the first play from scrimmage. That was one of three penalties he’s been called for over the last four weeks. If he clears waivers, a return to the practice squad remains possible.
Ramirez’s situation has been even more fluid. The Patriots continue to shuffle the 27-year-old edge rusher through the roster, and Monday’s move marks another turn in a cycle that has now included seven different transactions since he first signed to the practice squad on Sept. 1.
He appeared in two games this season, dressing for the Patriots’ 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 and their 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills the following week. Ramirez picked up a tackle on special teams, then was cut and returned to the practice squad 13 days later.
With Ramirez gone, the Patriots’ practice squad edge rusher/linebacker group now includes rookie Xavier Holmes, Benton Whitley and Elias Neal.
There are still more possible changes ahead. New England has several players who could be activated from injured reserve to fill roster spots, including offensive guard Greg Van Roten, edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins, linebacker Khalil Jacobs and safety Dell Pettus. The team meets Tuesday and is scheduled to practice Wednesday before heading to Germany that night.
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