Kyle Dugger is not guaranteed to start the season as the Patriots sort out their safety depth. Dugger has been relegated to second-team reps while he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, with Jabrill Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins taking prominent first-unit roles and Cal product Craig Woodson in the mix. Dugger’s mega extension remains, but health and progression will determine whether he remains a starter, becomes depth, or even is a trade candidate before roster cuts. The Patriots face a 53-man decision by late August as they balance cap considerations with on-field value.

Dugger finished 2024 with 81 tackles and a sack in 13 games after missing four games in 2024 due to the ankle, following a career-best 109 tackles in 2023. With a new coaching staff, depth moves like this aren’t shocking, but they signal how New England views Dugger at a pivotal preseason juncture. A potential move would hinge on dead money, team need, and the ability to land a partner who can offset his cap hit.

The New England safety room is becoming a compelling puzzle as roster decisions loom. Kyle Dugger’s status isn’t a guaranteed starter anymore, with Sunday practice showing him menging with the second string as coach Vrabel reshapes the unit. Peppers, Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson ran as the top three, a trio that pushed Dugger down the depth chart. Dugger’s four-year, $58 million extension from last year looms large, and teams could chase a trade or release to clear more than $10 million in cap space.

Hawkins has shined during camp and in the preseason opener, while Woodson has earned trust with solid tape and versatility. Peppers remains the veteran anchor, offering a blend of coverage and run support. The current pecking order—Peppers, Woodson, Hawkins—signals a multi-safety rotation that could shift again after cuts, making Dugger’s future in Foxboro uncertain and possibly creating impact moves for cap relief and roster balance.

The New England Patriots announced they have signed veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins to a one-year contract extension worth $2.25 million. Hawkins, who joined the Patriots last offseason after a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, recorded 48 tackles and one fumble recovery in the previous season. Notably, he had a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins, where he made eight tackles. This move helps solidify the Patriots' defensive backfield, especially following the departure of Jonathan Jones to the Washington Commanders. With Carlton Davis added to the mix as a cornerback, the Patriots look to reinforce their secondary depth with Hawkins bringing valuable experience alongside Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers.

De’Von Achane, the Miami Dolphins' running back, has successfully passed concussion protocol and is optimistic about playing against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.

Achane suffered a concussion during a game against the New England Patriots but reports feeling normal again. He has been a significant contributor this season, both rushing and receiving, and is excited about the Dolphins' healthy running back lineup.