With the re-introduction of Josh McDaniels to the Patriots, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he quickly re-introduced the fullback to the roster. Initially, it looked like UDFA Brock Lampe would be the man for the job, but with his being placed on IR, the Patriots needed to turn to other options.
With Lampe's injury, tight end Jack Westover immediately stepped in during practice, and that trend continued during the first preseason game on Friday. Westover also has been operating as the TE3 throughout camp, beating out hyped 2024 draft pick Jaheim Bell and several UDFAs.
The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed was complimentary of the former Washington Husky, saying in a recent article: “Tight end Jack Westover remains a coaches’ favorite. He drew a start at fullback and has been working as the Patriots’ third tight end behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in training camp. He had the lead block on a touchdown run from Terrell Jennings in the fourth quarter.”
Jack Westover's versatility will be a great asset for the Patriots offense
I mentioned Jack Westover as an underrated candidate to make the roster back in May, and his versatility as both an in-line tight end and fullback is what makes him a candidate to do just so. He was reasonably productive in college, recording 433 yards on 46 catches during his final year at UW.
While Westover didn't make a catch on Friday, his impact was felt, both by the Patriots and opposing front-seven players. He helped clear the way for running backs on multiple occasions and made a high-impact block on a toss play for Terrell Jennings to get into the endzone for the first time.
Players like Westover are always a long shot to make the 53, but with steady play and versatility like we saw Friday, there's no doubt a path for him to make it.