Overview

• The Patriots signed Fort Hays State product Shane Watts on August 12 and waived Deneric Prince with an injury designation to open a roster spot.
• After clearing waivers unclaimed on August 13, Prince reverted to New England’s injured reserve, effectively ending his availability unless he reaches an injury settlement.
• Watts, a 23-year-old who began his college career as a defensive back, amassed 1,752 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024 after switching to running back.
• With Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson entrenched atop the depth chart, Watts will compete for the fourth running back role against Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty.
• These moves reflect the Patriots’ use of waiver rules and undrafted, small-school talent to manage short-term injuries and develop practice-squad depth during training camp.