Instant analysis of the Patriots’ initial practice squad

As the New England Patriots continued to tinker with their 53-man roster on Monday, they also began the process of putting together their practice squad.

In total, New England added 12 players to their developmental team, 11 of which were with the team during training camp this past summer.

Here are the top storylines regarding the team’s initial practice squad.

New England’s initial developmental squad features 12 players, one being an International Pathway Player that does not count against the 16-man limit. That means the Patriots have five open spots on their practice — in addition to two spots on their 53-man roster.

Vested veterans Ben Brown and K.J. Britt, who both were released on Monday after making the initial 53-man roster, are candidates to return to the team and fill two of the remaining spots.

The Patriots placed punter Bryce Baringer on injured reserve, meaning the 27-year old will miss at least the first four weeks of the season. It’s a disappointing result for Baringer, who suffered the undisclosed lower body injury in the second preseason game, as he was having a strong camp.

With Baringer sidelined, the Patriots signed veteran Mitch Wishnowsky to the practice squad. Wishnowsky spent the first six years of his career with the 49ers before punting in 13 games for the Bills last season. He is the only current member of the practice squad that did not spend the summer with the team.

The backup offensive line was struck with the injury bug this offseason, as Marcus Bryant will start the year on injured reserve while Ben Brown was also sidelined. New England is then keeping offensive tackle Lorenz Metz and center Jacob Rizy on the practice squad as additional depth.

Rizy filled in this summer for Brown as the second-team center, while Metz has been with the team last January. Part of the International Pathway Program, the 6-foot-9 Metz does not count against the 16-player practice squad total.

New England is set to then add even more depth up front, with Brown’s expected return and the reported signing of Jake Kubas from the New York Giants.

New England’s practice squad last season featured wide receivers John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb for the duration of the season. Jiles, however, was released earlier this offseason while Webb landed on injured reserve early in training camp.

That led to a pair of UDFA’s in Kyle Dixon and Cameron Dorner signing with the practice squad this season. Dixon brings good size to the scout team while he impressed in the preseason finale. Dorner had several impressive moments this summer with his ability to separate and generate explosive plays.

Elsewhere on offense, the Patriots kept both Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison at the running back position. The duo was competing for the RB3 spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson this summer before the Patriots traded for Corey Kiner.

With Haskins’ power and Larison’s ability as a pass catcher, the duo brings a good variety of skillsets to the practice squad while both have special teams ability.