Practice squad experiments Charley Hughlett, Xavier Grimble released

November 28, 2014
by Dakota Antelman

After last week’s running back shakeups, the Patriots worked out several roster moves with their practice squad this week.

After they were signed on Wednesday, long snapper Charley Hughlett and tight end, Xavier Grimble were both suddenly dropped Friday.

Hughlett, a 24 year old had spent time with the Jaguars, Cowboys, Browns before being picked up by the Patriots mid-week. He was signed in a package deal with former Giants and 49ers tight end Xavier Grimble.

Those deals were in turn made in direct correlation with the release of linebacker Deontae Skinner and Daxton Swanson from the New England practice squad.

In their place, Hughlett and Grimble attended both Patriots practices before they were dropped Sunday.

The moves were puzzling to some who pointed towards a recent concussion suffered by starting long snapper Danny Aiken as at least the reason for Hughlett’s hiring. Aiken was hit at the line of scrimmage late in last Sunday’s game vs. Detroit and was limited in practice all week.

Though always stating that the Hughlett signing was for “precautionary reasons,” the general assumption Wednesday was that Hughlett was signed to fill in for Aiken vs. a rough and tumble Packer’s special teams unit this Sunday.

As for Xavier Grimble, his signing seemed to serve as an opportunity for the Patriots to build depth at tight end. Before the Grimble signing, New England only had three tight ends under contract, none of whom were on the practice squad. His presence served to only add an extra layer of protection should Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hohomanonui or Tim Wright go down with injuries.

Removing him from the mix however still does not do much to damage the Patriots as a team. The same can be said for Hughlett as even if Danny Aiken does not play like he should Sunday, the team could easily work past it.

Such is proven by the fact that for portions of the preseason the Patriots did not even carry a long snapper.

Furthermore, the release of Hughlett and Grimble now opens up two extra spots for players to be brought in. New England has an opening on the active roster as well.