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With 90 players currently on the roster, the New England Patriots will have their work cut out for them at the end of the summer when they are tasked with selecting 53 players to make up the initial roster. So with that, the competition in training camp begins.
There will be a lot of different players to watch throughout the preseason, including a few guys who have had roles in the past, but are considered on the bubble to earn a spot because of the depth at these positions.
Here are four players who are on the roster bubble:
RB Terrell Jennings
The top of the running back depth chart is clear, with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson leading the way. But behind them, it's unclear how things will shake out. It is likely between Jennings, who has been on the team for the past two seasons, and rookie Jam Miller, who was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, who are vying for that third spot. Lan Larison is also a name to watch, having spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury in preseason.
Jennings' NFL experience certainly gives him an advantage in this role, but he has not made the initial 53-man roster, only getting the spot after being called up from the practice squad. He is a talented runner who can contribute in the pass game and also on special teams, but he isn't someone who has shown to be a high-impact player. That's why his performance this summer will be even more important.
WR Efton Chism
A fan favorite in New England, Efton Chism was a training camp success story last season, earning a spot on the 53-man roster after signing as a UDFA. But with an even more crowded wide receiver room, his spot could be in jeopardy. He finished last season with just three receptions on three targets, including one touchdown, being used sparingly by the coaching staff and often not in the slot, which was his best position in college.
Chism's special teams contributions help him with a potential roster spot, but earning playing time as a receiver will be hard considering the Patriots have A.J. Brown, Kayshon Boutte, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and more currently on the roster.
TE/FB Jack Westover
Last season, Westover was used mainly as a fullback, but the Patriots signed Reggie Gilliam in free agency. So, a spot on the roster will likely be determined by his performance at tight end this summer as well as his special teams contributions. Plus, New England is thinner at the tight end position after losing veteran Julian Hill to a season-ending injury. Hunter Henry remains the top spot on the depth chart, with rookie Eli Raridon expected to fill in that No. 2 spot. But, Westover's experience in the system could certainly play a factor.
CB Marcellas Dial
A sixth-round pick in 2024, Marcellas Dial played in all 17 games as a rookie, primarily on special teams, and was considered a shoo-in for a spot last summer. However, he suffered a torn ACL in training camp last season, sidelining him for the entire year. Throughout the spring and early summer, Dial was back on the field with the team but was not yet at full capacity, often working to the side during team drills.
He will likely slot back in on special teams, but missing all last season certainly hurt. And then, at cornerback, it's a very crowded room with a few other players expected to be above him on the depth chart.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 4 players on the roster bubble ahead of Patriots training camp
