One young defensive back is out…but could that mean another is returning soon?
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New England Patriots defensive back Ameer Speed was released from the 53-man roster Thursday. Speed, a sixth-round rookie out of Michigan State, appeared in five games for the Pats this season, playing mostly special teams. He had three tackles on the season before being given his release. No word yet as to whether the Pats will look to sign Speed to the practice squad, though such a move would make sense. Speed was seen at practice Thursday in Foxboro.
Speed’s release could signal the return of a veteran from IR. The Pats currently have three players eligible as they have been practicing and designated to return. Once a team designates a player eligible to return, they have 21 days to sign them to the active roster, release them or they revert to season-ending injured reserve.
A case can be made for all three players to return.
The likely thinking is that releasing one defensive back could make room for another in second-year corner in Jack Jones, who would be making his 2023 season debut just in time to take on the offensively charged Buffalo Bills Sunday in Foxboro. The Pats’ cornerback depth is razor thin these days after Christian Gonzalez was lost for the season. Jones tweeted a while ago that he would return “ASAP”...whether now is that time will soon be known. Jones’ 21-day activation clock was started this week.
Given that Speed played mostly special teams, a return to action for Cody Davis, a special teams ace himself, could make sense as well.
And with pass rush leader Matt Judon on IR and rookie Keion White likely out this week in the concussion protocol, a return by veteran defensive end Trey Flowers would be welcome, too. Flowers hasn’t played in a game since last season for Miami, and has not suited up for the Pats since Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta.
Both Davis and Flowers are still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
We’ll know who gets Speed’s spot soon enough.
The Patriots host the Buffalo Bills Sunday at 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
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