Patriots DC Praises Kyle Dugger Despite Uncertainty Over Week 1 Status

A few weeks ago, there were discussions about Patriots safety Kyle Dugger potentially being on the trading block as the regular season approached. However, New England decided to keep Dugger and released safety Jabrill Peppers instead.

Dugger is currently listed as the second-string strong safety on the Patriots’ depth chart, behind rookie Craig Woodson. There is a possibility that Dugger will not be available to play against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.

During a media availability session on Thursday, Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams expressed that he appreciates what he has seen from Dugger; however, he is uncertain whether Dugger will be active for the game this weekend.

“Up until 2 hours before the game, we really don’t know,” Williams said, per WEEI’s Tom Caroll. “Because it’s hard to say. I mean, we’ve been in so many games over the years where you say, ‘OK, this guy’s gonna be active, that guy.’ Like you really just don’t know. “But, what I will say is Dugger’s done a good job of doing the things we’re asking him to do, and I feel good about where he is right now.”

An NFL team can only dress 48 of its 53 active players for a game. Dugger might be a healthy scratch this weekend after head coach Mike Vrabel reduced Dugger’s role during training camp.

If Dugger has the chance to play this week, he will face a significant challenge on the field. The Raiders have one of the top young tight ends in the NFL, Brock Bowers, whom Dugger may need to cover.

Last year, Bowers set the rookie record for the most receptions in a single season with 112 and also broke the record for the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end with 1,194.

The Patriots’ secondary will need a good day to stop Bowers and the Raiders’ passing attack. Regardless of whether Dugger is on the field, he will need to coach up the young safeties.