Patriots cut veteran defensive tackle ahead of preseason finale

The New England Patriots announced they released veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday.

It’s a move that came ahead of Sunday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders and six days before the roster cut deadline.

Purcell being the one ousted is a bit of a surprise considering some of the questions along the defensive front. Christian Barmore is out indefinitely with blood clots, and the team just traded Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons.

So it initially seemed like the Patriots would load up at defensive tackle and lean on a steady rotation to make up for the loss of Barmore in particular. An experienced player like Purcell seemed to fit the bill.

However, the youth movement is in effect for the rebuilding Patriots, and Purcell wasn’t necessarily the right fit for that direction as a 33-year-old journeyman defensive player.

There’s always the possibility that Purcell re-signs as a member of the Patriots’ practice squad. But he clearly isn’t making the 53-man roster.