Demaryius Thomas and Brian Hoyer could soon be back with the Patriots

The Patriots set their first 53-man roster on Saturday evening. Don’t expect that group to remain the same for long.

After Saturday, teams can place players on the injured reserve, giving them a chance to return in seven weeks. All players placed on the IR before Sunday, aren’t eligible to return until 2020. In the event the Patriots place a player or two on the IR, they would open up some roster spots. It appears that they have a couple of options with some of their [...]

The Patriots set their first 53-man roster on Saturday evening. Don’t expect that group to remain the same for long.

After Saturday, teams can place players on the injured reserve, giving them a chance to return in seven weeks. All players placed on the IR before Sunday, aren’t eligible to return until 2020. In the event the Patriots place a player or two on the IR, they would open up some roster spots. It appears that they have a couple of options with some of their recently released veterans.

One could be backup quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was beat out by rookie Jarrett Stidham. On Sunday, Bill Belichick left the door open for Hoyer to return. As a vested veteran, Hoyer doesn’t go through the waiver process. He can choose his next location.

“I thought both players played well in camp, and I like both players. In the end, there are a number of considerations that you have to make," Belichick said when asked about Stidham and Hoyer. “But in the end, there were a number of considerations that you have to make, so we did what we thought was best for the team. I think Brian is a good player, and it’s a long season, so we’ll see what happens."

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According to multiple reports, another is receiver Demaryius Thomas. It seems that the five-time Pro Bowler would be in favor of returning to Foxboro. However, according to Pro Football talk, the Denver Broncos are also interested in Thomas’ services.

Thomas had a late start to camp after recovering from an Achilles injury, but performed well in the Patriots preseason finale.  

In order to get Hoyer and/or Thomas back, the Patriots next move is to place a player (or two) on the injured reserve. A couple of candidates are N’Keal Harry, Obi Melifonwu, Shilique Calhoun and Matt LaCosse. All four of those players missed several preseason games due to injuries.

When asked about Harry’s progress, Belichick said, “He's definitely getting better. I mean, all of our injured players are getting better. All of the guys that have been dealing with things are getting better. Where exactly they are – some of them didn't play in the game on Sunday if they didn't practice on Friday. We didn't practice yesterday, so some of these guys we haven't seen on the field in a couple of days. So we'll see where they're at.”