Patriots announce initial 2026 practice squad, mostly camp holdovers

# What happened

Aug. 31. The list includes 12 players: 11 who were released by the team at roster cutdown and one outside signing. Offensive tackle Lorenz Metz fills a practice-squad-exempt slot because of his international status.

# The full list

Patriots' initial practice squad (11 retained players)

• RB Hassan Haskins
• RB Lan Larison
• WR Kyle Dixon
• WR Cameron Dorner
• OL Jacob Rizy
• DT Eric Gregory
• DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
• LB Riley Wilson
• CB Kindle Vildor
• S Mike Brown
• P Mitch Wishnowsky

• OT Lorenz Metz

# Why this group makes sense

• Running backs: Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison were borderline roster candidates who moved to the practice squad after the Patriots acquired Corey Kiner in a trade. The Kiner move reduced their chances on the 53-man roster but kept them in the building for depth and special teams work.

• Line and trench depth: Jacob Rizy and Eric Gregory had camp reps that left them as logical developmental options behind the starters. Gregory's camp performance made a clear case for him as a backup interior defensive lineman.

• Secondary: Kindle Vildor functioned in camp as a potential fourth- or fifth-string cornerback. Retaining him protects the team against injuries and gives continuity at a position where familiarity with scheme matters.

# The external add: Mitch Wishnowsky

# Open spots and near-future moves

The team announced 12 initial practice-squad slots but still had room to add players. Lorenz Metz occupies an exempt slot because of international status, which does not count the same way as a standard practice-squad signing. Reports indicate interior offensive lineman Jake Kubas, who started three games for the Giants in previous seasons, is expected to be added soon even though he was not part of the initial announcement.

# What this means for Week 1

Retaining camp players on the practice squad preserves depth and in-house replacements if injuries occur early in the season. The Wishnowsky signing bridges the immediate need created by Baringer's move to injured reserve. Expect additional moves as the Patriots finish building the full practice squad and evaluate waiver-wire opportunities ahead of Week 1.