After a series of roster moves over the last few days, the New England Patriots’ active roster appears to be at least somewhat set for the upcoming season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Of the 53 men currently on it, nine are rookies and set to appear in their first-ever NFL game on Sunday. Accordingly, they have now received new jersey numbers appropriate for the respective positions they are playing on the team.
This move was necessary considering that the Patriots are traditionally giving rookies non-eligible numbers from 50 up when they arrive. Now, however, they have been handed “real” ones as was announced by the club on Monday night.