Patriots on WMUR-TV: Patriots playing in first game since Super Bowl loss in preseason clash with Colts
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
The Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts are meeting Thursday in what will be New England’s first game since the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
>> PATRIOTS ON WMUR: Patriots to play Colts in first preseason game of 2026 season at 7:30 p.m. on WMUR-TV <<
ROSTER CRUNCH
Most of the starters for the Colts and Patriots are not expected to play Thursday, but the game will be a key step in trimming down the roster for the regular season.
Right now, there are about 90 players chasing 53 spots.
Among the players battling for a roster spot is former Dartmouth football player Niko Lalos. He started his career as a defensive end but is trying to make the team as a long snapper.
NEW FIELD SURFACE AND PRACTICE FACILITY
Another storyline to watch is the makeover Gillette Stadium has gone through.
When World Cup games were held in Foxborough, the field was grass. After the World Cup, stadium crews put field turf back in.
At first, the turf was not up to NFL or NFL Players’ Association standards. So, crews put in another field of turf just this week.
Also while the World Cup was in Foxborough, inside the stadium, the Patriots were mostly working out of their new 160,000-square-foot practice facility, which is down the hill from where they have their training camp practices. Construction was going on during last season.
NEW NAMES ON ROSTER
After a topsy-turvy offseason, we’re almost back to Patriots football.
Starter Drake Maye will not play, but we’ll see the other quarterbacks: Tommy DeVito and rookie Behren Morton.
It’s been six months since the Pats faced an opponent, so there are a lot of new names on this team, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, safety Kevin Byard, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones.
Some notable departures include wide receiver Stefon Diggs, tight end Austin Hooper, linebackers Anfernee Jennings and K’Lavon Chaisson and center Garrett Bradbury.
PRESEASON GAMES ON WMUR-TV
You can watch all three of the Patriots preseason games on WMUR-TV.
After Thursday’s game, the Pats will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 22. That game is also at Gillette Stadium.
Then, on Aug. 27, the Patriots will take on the Browns in Cleveland.
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