Patriots: 53-man roster projection after win over Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10, Rhamondre Stevenson #38 , and Korey Cunningham #74 of the New England Patriots react against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Patriots RB JJ Taylor (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Running Backs (4)

Damien Harris, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, JJ Taylor

The Patriots have big plans for Damien Harris, who burst onto the scene last season after a lost rookie year in 2019. The 24-year-old will enter the year as the starter and should be a lock to log 15 or so carries per game.

Behind Harris, the Patriots will keep veteran pass-catching specialist James White, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and 2020 undrafted free agent JJ Taylor, who rushed 12 times for 93 yards and a TD vs the Eagles. If not for that performance, Taylor might’ve started the year on the practice squad.

As far as Stevenson is concerned, it’ll be worth monitoring if his fumble on Thursday landed him in Belichick’s doghouse. However, the young back has arguably been the Patriots’ preseason MVP and it’d be cruel to leave him off the final roster.

The big omission here is Sony Michel, who should be dealt sometime in the near future amid his resurgent preseason.

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