Three undrafted rookies were released to make room.
The shuffling continued in Foxborough heading into Labor Day weekend.
The New England Patriots officially signed cornerback Corey Ballentine, linebacker Mark Robinson and defensive tackles Fabien Lovett and Cory Durden to the practice squad amid a series of moves on Thursday.
Ballentine, 29, was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft at No. 180 overall. The 5-foot-11, 196-pound former Chris Harris Award winner out of Washburn has appeared in 69 games since then. A veteran of 11 starts in the secondary, Ballentine has also spent time with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers. His career includes 100 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and one recovery while averaging 23.7 yards per kickoff return.
Robinson, 26, landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2022 class at No. 225 overall. The 5-foot-11, 235-pound linebacker by way of Presbyterian, Southeast Missouri State and Ole Miss was waived by the organization that drafted him during 53-man roster cutdowns. Through 38 games in the AFC North, Robinson totaled 45 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and four starts. He has seen 203 snaps on defense and 619 snaps on special teams.
Lovett, 25, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound former Mississippi State and Florida State defensive lineman spent the duration his rookie campaign on the practice squad. After signing a futures contract in February on the heels of Super Bowl LIX, Lovett was waived at the 53-man roster deadline.
Durden, 26, went undrafted to the Lions in 2023. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder of out of Florida State and North Carolina State went on to made a stop with the Los Angeles Rams before being signed to the New York Giants’ 53-man roster in December. He cleared waivers on Wednesday after facing head coach Mike Vrabel’s side in the August finale at MetLife Stadium. Durden stands eight games and 13 tackles into his career across 128 snaps on defense and 37 snaps on special teams.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss first reported both defensive tackle’s arrivals at Gillette Stadium.
To make room on the practice squad, tight end Gee Scott Jr., linebacker Cam Riley and cornerback Brandon Crossley have been released.
Scott, 24, was retained on New England’s initial practice squad after being waived during the 53-man cutdown. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound rookie tight end had signed as part of the organization’s 2025 undrafted class in May. He saw 48 offensive snaps in the preseason. A convert from wide receiver, Scott appeared in 52 games at Ohio State, starting 16 and winning a national title. His Buckeyes run included 47 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns.
Riley, 23, joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in May. The 6-foot-4, 228-pound linebacker played 57 snaps on defense to go with 31 snaps on special teams in preseason action. A fumble recovery was logged. Riley spent four years at Auburn before transferring to Florida State in 2024. In all, he recorded 167 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble over the course of 58 games and 11 starts.
Crossley, 24, also signed as part of New England’s 2025 undrafted class and landed on the practice squad at its formation. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound corner handled 79 snaps on defense during his rookie preseason, notching six tackles, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. After beginning his collegiate run at Colorado State, Crossley earned an All-ACC honorable mention last fall at Southern Methodist while starting 13 games.
Patriots players will be off Friday through Sunday before the first work week of the regular season gets underway.
Category: General Sports
