The New England Patriots face a tough decision as they prepare to finalize their roster, with running back Lan Larison’s impressive preseason performance not enough to secure his spot.
Why it matters: The Patriots must trim their roster to 53 players by August 30, and Larison's standout showing may not be enough to overcome the competition.
Head coach Mike Vrabel indicated that the team is evaluating many players, especially those on the roster bubble, as they finalize the lineup.
Larison posted 33 rushing yards on nine carries with a touchdown in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, along with three receptions for 41 yards.
Vrabel emphasized the need for progress from younger players, stating that they must not repeat mistakes and must contribute meaningfully.
Driving the news: Larison, an undrafted free agent from UC Davis, made a strong case for a roster spot during the preseason, particularly with his performance against the Eagles.
His 33 rushing yards and touchdown, along with a notable 28-yard reception, showcased his potential and grit.
Vrabel praised Larison's performance, highlighting his ability to break tackles and secure first downs under pressure.
Analyst Alex Barth projected that Larison will miss the cut, favoring Hassan Haskins for the RB3 role instead.
State of play: As the final week of preseason approaches, the competition for roster spots intensifies, particularly at the running back position.
The Patriots currently have six running backs on their roster, including Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and veteran JaMycal Hasty.
Haskins received limited touches in the preseason but is viewed as a safer bet to make the final roster.
Larison's performance against the Eagles has raised questions about whether he can displace Haskins or fellow running back Jam Miller.
The big picture: The Patriots' roster decisions are influenced by a lack of depth, as noted by Vrabel, who stated that the team is not very deep.
In addition to evaluating current players, the Patriots could look to the waiver wire for additional talent as teams finalize their own rosters.
Vrabel's comments suggest that players need to demonstrate their reliability and versatility to secure a spot.
With the final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on August 27, players like Larison have one last chance to impress.
What they're saying: Vrabel has been vocal about the importance of evaluating players beyond just their statistics.
“We are the front office. We are all making the decisions. We’re all included in this,” Vrabel said, underscoring a collaborative approach to roster decisions.
He also mentioned the need for young players to make new mistakes rather than repeating old ones, indicating a desire for growth and development.
“Lan certainly had a good performance, a gritty, tough performance tonight,” Vrabel remarked after the Eagles game, acknowledging Larison's efforts.
By the numbers: The Patriots' roster decisions will be influenced by various factors, including performance metrics and injuries.
New England has until 6 PM ET on August 30 to finalize their 53-man roster.
Larison’s college accolades include being a first-team FCS All-American in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.
In total, the Patriots have six running backs competing for three spots as they head into the final preseason game.
What's next: The Patriots will face the Cleveland Browns in their final preseason game on August 27, a key opportunity for players on the bubble.
Larison and others will need to showcase their skills to make a strong case for inclusion in the final roster.
The Patriots will assess all positions, with a focus on depth and reliability as they prepare for the regular season.
Vrabel's strategy suggests that any player failing to prove their worth may be replaced, heightening the stakes for those vying for a spot.