Over the years, it hasn’t been unusual to see the Patriots churn their roster a fair amount during training camp and the preseason as they look for players who might help the team after determining that those on hand don’t have the right stuff.
This summer hasn’t opened up that way. The Patriots made their first transaction since camp opened when they waived offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson on Sunday. Kerbyson signed with the team in July and went undrafted after spending the last two years starting at tackle for the University of Tennessee.
Kerbyson’s departure opens up a roster spot for safety Nate Ebner, who is back from playing rugby sevens for the U.S. at the Olympics. The team had a roster exemption for Ebner while he was trying for gold and, per multiple reports, Patriots coach Bill Belichick nodded when asked if Kerbyson was dispatched to make space for Ebner.
Ebner’s return to practice should be followed by his return to a prominent spot on the team’s special teams units.