New England completed its 53-man roster cuts and ducked into a light week of practice behind Gillette Stadium. Christian Gonzalez sat with a hamstring issue, while Efton Chism, Anfernee Jennings and Jack Gibbens returned to action after minor ailments. Kendrick Bourne was released, Javon Baker waived, and Tommy DeVito plus Charles Woods were claimed off waivers to reconstitute the 53. The club also announced 16 signings to its practice squad as it eyes the Las Vegas opener.

With the 53-man slate finalized, New England will use the upcoming days to prepare for the season debut against the Raiders on Sept. 7. The practice squad additions fuel depth for Week 1, while the health status of Gonzalez will be watched closely for a cornerback group that could shape fantasy lineups.

New England’s final preseason game devolved into a glass‑empty showcase as the Patriots were routed 42‑10 by the Giants. With starters rested, the night belonged to the depth chart, and the results underscored how precarious a number of roster spots may be come cut day. Kyle Dugger remained a stabilizing presence on defense, snagging an interception and flashing playmaking tendencies, while Keion White struggled to impact the game from the edge, signaling the uphill climb ahead for continued development.

Andres Borregales’s 49‑yard try misfired, intensifying the kicker competition with veteran Romo looming as the more reliable option. Jeremiah Webb delivered a spark with a 22‑yard punt return and a 10‑yard TD grab, keeping him in the practice‑squad conversation, but Javon Baker and Miles Battle faced rough nights, and rookie Jordan Polk drew penalties that blemished his evaluation. Veteran Jack Gibbens chipped in a sack, providing a sliver of upside from the linebacker room, while Ben Wooldridge showed the growing pains of a rookie QB, including a late third‑quarter turnover that capped a wobbly performance.

Fantasy relevance centers on the Patriots’ depth chart: Webb’s return skills and the Dugger‑led defensive backfield present points of interest for dynasty‑level nerves; the Borregales vs Romo kicker duel remains an ongoing subplot for early season fantasy rosters. The Giants’ execution in the blowout victory also offered a reminder that even in preseason, a favorable defensive matchup and solid special‑teams play can tilt the edge in late‑season streaming scenarios. The result reinforces the looming roster decisions heading into next week’s cuts, with several players seemingly on the bubble.

Jaxson Dart’s late-summer ascent hit a rough patch with a concussion scare after his first Giants start in the preseason finale against New England. The opener flashed promise: a 50-yard improvised connection to Gunner Olszewski and a quick 7-yard Dulcich TD to put New York up early. Yet a late first-quarter fumble and a brutal hit forced Dart to the sideline for evaluation, underscoring the pro game’s hit risk and the need for smart, patient plays from a rookie signal-caller trying to fast-track playing time.

New York leaned into its rookies, naming Dart and Abdul Carter captains for the night as vets watched from the sideline. Dart’s fourth drive flirted with a turnover, and a scramble on a 4th-and-4 at the Patriots’ 45 ended with a forced fumble that wasn’t charged due to a defensive hold. Jameis Winston’s entry produced a 27-yard strike to Hyatt, ending Dart’s night with 6-of-12 passing for 81 yards and a TD. Fantasy watchers should note the health hurdle for Dart, the blossoming chemistry with Hyatt and Dulcich, and the Giants’ growing depth at WR and TE as potential late-season contributors.

The New England Patriots' linebacker competition is heating up as training camp approaches in late July. With Jahlani Tavai leading the group as the team's top tackler in 2024, veterans Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens, newly signed from the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans respectively, add experience to the mix. However, Christian Elliss, a former undrafted free agent who has had a tumultuous journey in the NFL, is also in contention for the starting role.

Elliss, who has been released multiple times during his four-year career, is determined to prove himself. He began his professional journey with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 after going undrafted. After stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, he finally secured a spot on an active roster late in the 2022 season. His resilience and drive will be put to the test as he competes for significant playing time against established veterans.