The New England Patriots have to get their roster cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
They got a head start with that task Wednesday.
The Patriots announced they released eight-year veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell, who had just signed with New England on Aug 1.
It seemed like the 6-foot-3, 328-pound Purcell had an outside chance to grab a roster spot, especially with Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely due to blood clots. But Purcell became the odd-man out as second-year defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. emerged following a standout preseason. Pharms had four tackles, including a sack in New England's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Purcell, 33, spent the last five seasons with the Denver Broncos and started 10 games last season. He finished the campaign with 25 tackles after tallying 45 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2022.
With Purcell on the way out, it's looking like Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale and Pharms along with defensive line mainstay Davon Godchaux have the inside track to claim roster spots among the positional group.
