Often, veterans who play deep into preseason games are released at the end of the summer, and Dugger — particularly after undergoing surgery — has played at a level that could put him on the chopping block ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

With cuts looming next week, the 29-year-old veteran's presence on the field in the second half Thursday night warrants questions about his spot on the 53-man roster.

The Patriots are shopping safety Kyle Dugger ahead of the 2025 roster cuts amid injuries, depth chart changes, and contract issues.