Patriots moves

Mike, how many more cuts do the Pats need to make to get to 75 by tomorrow?

Interesting they didn't put Tate on the IR... I wonder how good his leg/acl feels...

Mike, when are you going to publish another look at the 53, with particular attention to the group that's around the bubble? Also, do you think, with that, you could look at the potential or likely group for practice squad consideration? Does Bruschi's retirement mean that one of the linebackers on the bubble will take that spot (toward the 53) or could it shift to someone like Ventrone or Slater? What about O'Connel? Would it be possible or is there any precedent to move forward with just two QB's, in addition to Edelman, & leaving Hoyer vulnerable on the practice squad, and then using that space to take on some of the more marginal prospects in the secondary?

Jobin:

With the release of O'Connell and Hodel along with these moves, the Pats are now at 75.

Also, do you think that by just putting O'Connel out there, just as Cassel & Orton & Sims get hurt and as the Bucs are shopping their guys for trade value, it helps to shake the tree on what linebacking prospects might be on the bubble on a particular roster that's deeper at that position? Like, would Kansas City consider releasing Vrabel at this point? Or trading him back to the Patriots?

Jobin --

By my count, with the release of O'Connell and Hodel, the retirement of Bruschi and the placement of these three on reserve lists, the Pats roster count stands at 72.

Kiill --

Tate's surgery was mid-October 2008. At the start of 2009 camp a month ago, it was rumored that he was "about 85% recovered". At the end of Week 6 of this regular season, when Tate will be eligible to begin practicing with the team, it will have be just about a year since the surgery. From that point, the Pats will have three weeks to decide whether to put him on the active 53-man roster (thus bumping someone else off) or to put him on IR for the remainder of the season. During that time, roughly the same length as training camp, if Tate is healthy enough to do so, the Pats can drill him on the offense and evaluate whether or not he'll be able to contribute this year.

That Tate went to PUP instead of directly to IR is not a complete surprise and keeps options open for awhile, at least.

VerDisqo --

My thoughts exactly.

Mike, Am I correct that the actions taken with respect to LeVoir and Tate do not affect the 75 person limit? I believe the PUP list is only relevant for the 53 person limit. Please confirm or correct. Many thanks and good luck.

Mike....Will Reiss's Pieces go with you to ESPN? It has been a pleasure reading your column and learning what really goes on inside the Pats locker room and coaches minds. Seldom does a beat writer keep his personal thoughts and beliefs to himself while reporting the hard facts. We'll miss you.....