New England Patriots: 53-man roster projection after two preseason games

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer

Entering the 2018 season, Tom Brady looked as good as ever in the preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 41-year old didn’t seem to be bothered by rust or the sore back that held him out of the first preseason matchup. Brady completed 19 of 26 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. He looked like the quarterback who won MVP last season and carried the Patriots to a second straight Super Bowl appearance.

Hoyer seems to be locked in as the current backup, but in two preseason games has completed just 58 percent of his passes. The organization could look to see if a quarterback becomes available via trade or free agency, like Teddy Bridgewater for example.

The other only remaining question out of this position group is what to do with rookie Danny Etling. Etling was taken in the seventh round of this year’s NFL Draft but hasn’t down enough to lockdown a roster spot. If the team likes what they’ve seen from him throughout camp, he could earn a spot on the practice squad. Etling would need a strong Week 3 and 4 performance in the preseason to try and make the final 53-man roster.

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