Patriots Fill Practice Squad with 12 Players, Including Veteran Punter Wishnowsky

Key points

• The Patriots signed 12 players to their practice squad on August 31, 2026.
• Eleven of the new additions were previously released from the 53-man active roster.
• Mitch Wishnowsky is the only external free-agent pickup, joining from the Buffalo Bills.
• Wishnowsky is set to replace punter Bryce Baringer, who is on injured reserve for at least four weeks.
• Offensive tackle Lorenz Metz holds an international exemption spot, leaving five other spots open for future additions.

Background

This move follows the NFL's standard roster cutdown process, where teams trim their rosters to 53 active players and form practice squads of up to 16 players (or 17 with an international exemption). The Patriots, as reigning AFC East champions, are navigating a waiver order that places them 31st in the league, limiting their ability to claim players from other teams. This practice squad formation is part of the broader 2026 NFL season adjustments, similar to moves made by the Bills, Saints, and Raiders.

How outlets are covering it

Pats Pulpit emphasizes the continuity of the practice squad, noting that 11 of the 12 players were just released from the active roster, highlighting a strategy of retaining familiar depth. They specifically point out the impact of the Corey Kiner trade on the running back depth. Patriots.com provides a broader analysis of the 53-man roster, focusing on 'first-world problems' like edge rusher depth and offensive line development, but does not detail the practice squad specifics. 98.5 The Sports Hub tracked the cutdown process in real-time, confirming the releases of players like Haskins and Larison, which paved the way for their practice squad re-signing.

Why it matters

The composition of the practice squad signals the Patriots' long-term developmental priorities and immediate needs. The addition of veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky addresses a critical special teams gap caused by Bryce Baringer's injury. Meanwhile, the retention of players like Haskins and Larison, despite the acquisition of Corey Kiner, suggests the team values depth and familiarity in the backfield. The open spots and international exemption for Lorenz Metz indicate that the roster is still fluid, with potential further changes before the regular season begins.

What to watch

The Patriots are expected to fill their remaining practice squad spots in the coming days, potentially re-signing players like interior offensive lineman Jake Kubas. The team will also monitor the waiver wire for opportunities, although their 31st-place waiver order limits their ability to claim players. Bryce Baringer's return from injured reserve will be a key factor in determining whether Wishnowsky remains the primary punter or returns to a backup role.