The Patriots made a couple of last-minute roster moves Tuesday as the team prepares for its preseason finale against the New York Giants.
New England announced the signings of running back Micah Bernard and defensive tackle Philip Blidi, while releasing defensive end Jereme Robinson and cornerback Tre Avery in corresponding moves.
Bernard, 23, originally joined the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie in May before being waived the following month. The 5-foot-10, 199-pound back out of Utah appeared in 51 games over five seasons, starting 22 of them at running back and even one at cornerback. He rushed for 2,217 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Utes, adding 770 receiving yards on 99 catches. His 1,000-yard campaign in 2023 ranked among the top 25 single seasons in program history. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report his signing.
Blidi, 23, also entered the league with Tennessee this spring as part of the Titans’ undrafted class. The 6-foot-3, 297-pound defensive lineman was waived on Sunday after logging two tackles in his preseason debut. Blidi, who spent time at Texas Tech, Indiana, and Auburn, played in 59 collegiate games, recording 91 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
To make room, the Patriots let go of Robinson and Avery.
Robinson, 25, signed with New England earlier this month and saw his first game action on special teams last weekend against the Vikings. The Kansas product had previously spent time with the Chicago Bears after going undrafted in 2025. The 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge rusher totaled 98 tackles, 14 sacks, and five forced fumbles in college.
Avery, 28, was claimed off waivers from the 49ers in early August. The veteran cornerback logged 41 snaps between defense and special teams during the preseason. A former Rutgers standout, Avery broke into the league with the Titans in 2022 and has appeared in 38 career games, starting five, while registering 65 tackles and 11 pass breakups.
The moves come on the heels of New England adding wide receiver Phil Lutz and waiving defensive tackle Isaiah Iton earlier this week.
The Patriots will close out the preseason Thursday night when they visit the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
