Patriots Reportedly Made ‘Backup’ Claims On These Positions

The Patriots had an obvious need that could have been addressed at the waiver wire, and they reportedly ensured it would be addressed.

New England last week acquired offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs, guard Zach Thomas, defensive tackle Eric Johnson II and linebacker Curtis Jacobs off waivers last week. Depth in the trenches was what the additions represented, and the Patriots were in a solid spot at No. 3 on the waiver wire order.

But the Patriots made "backup" claims on three other offensive linemen and one defensive lineman, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. It's up to speculation regarding who those players might have been, but it again highlights how important the offensive line and the defensive line were to the front office.

New England didn't have any players claimed off waivers, and those players were added to the practice squad. It's unknown if the Patriots will make more additions before the season opener Sept. 8, but all eyes will be on the offensive line and a defensive line without Christian Barmore and Matthew Judon when the Patriots travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals.