FOXBORO – Eric Saubert didn’t see it coming, but that’s life in the NFL.

After finishing his second full week of training camp, Saubert was abruptly traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Patriots for a conditional seventh-round pick. To make matters more hectic, the Patriots were in New England for all of two days before flying to Nashville for joint practices with the Tennessee Titans.

"I think any time you switch a team like this, catching up is the [...]

FOXBORO – Eric Saubert didn’t see it coming, but that’s life in the NFL.

After finishing his second full week of training camp, Saubert was abruptly traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Patriots for a conditional seventh-round pick. To make matters more hectic, the Patriots were in New England for all of two days before flying to Nashville for joint practices with the Tennessee Titans.

“I think any time you switch a team like this, catching up is the first thing you need to do,” Saubert said. “Been in a lot of recovery mode, but it’s been good. Just staying focused.”

Drafted in the fifth round in 2017, Saubert spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, playing tight end and special teams. As a rookie, Saubert played only 30 offensive snaps compared to 212 on special teams. He didn't catch a pass that season. Last season, Saubert caught five passes for 48 yards. He played 178 snaps on offense while finishing second on the Falcons with 292 special teams snaps.

After his first full week of practice with the Patriots, Saubert made his preseason debut with his new teammates. He caught one of two passes for 10 yards against the Titans.

“Basically, I’ll do anything for this team that they ask me to do,” Saubert said. “Catch passes, block, be that wide tight end. Special teams, that’s a big part of what I do. Anything they need me to do, I’ll be there.”