Dugger did not start, just like last week when the Patriots held off the Vikings, 20-12, in Minnesota. That exhibition ended memorably, with Dugger catching an interception in the end zone on the final play. He grabbed another pick against New York, but continued to play in the second half when he also took a bad angle on a 41-yard screen pass that resulted in a touchdown.<\/p>\n
Often, veterans who play deep into preseason games are released at the end of the summer, and Dugger \u2014 particularly after undergoing surgery \u2014 has played at a level that could put him on the chopping block ahead of Tuesday\u2019s 53-man roster deadline.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s weird. There\u2019s little stuff like that where some stuff feels fine. And then other times, it\u2019s like \u2018Woah, OK. That didn\u2019t feel like it normally feels,\u2019 \u201d Dugger told the Herald<\/a> post-game. \u201cI don\u2019t always know where there\u2019s going to be rust. And that\u2019s kind of been the hardest part. One (play I) will be where I know I can be, and then (I\u2019m) not in some areas.\u201d<\/p>\n Dugger insisted his lackluster performance is not a symptom of lingering physical problems, but mental mistakes; diagnosing plays a half-second too late, poor awareness or simply missing assignments. He hinted his tumble down the depth chart is part of a steep learning curve with the Patriots\u2019 new defensive scheme under coach Mike Vrabel and missing all of the team\u2019s spring practices while he recovered from surgery.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, it\u2019s very frustrating,\u201d Dugger told the Herald post-game. \u201cBut the reality is it has to be a day-to-day thing. I have to focus on (my play), and as much as I want to be my biggest critic, I have to also be grateful because I want it to be like I didn\u2019t take any (time) off. But that means I have to be where I\u2019m at, and I have to reset, go day by day and work to improve. That\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n Dugger, who signed a four-year $58 million extension barely a year ago<\/a>, insisted he hasn\u2019t thought about the possibility of having played his final snaps in New England.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, I really haven\u2019t,\u201d he told the Herald. \u201cI\u2019m trying to be present, trying to let thoughts like that (pass). Just trying to be present, and like I said earlier, just really getting back to playing fast. Take the reps, take the opportunity to go out there and play football again. Not being out there for OTAs, that was tough, so (I\u2019m) just trying to get back to playing fast.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25230090961928-e1755829978661.jpg\")
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger lines up against the Minnesota Vikings during a preseason NFL game Saturday, Aug. 16 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo\/Craig Lassig)<\/p>\n