What Kyle Dugger said about the uncertainty around his Patriots future
Dugger has slid down the depth chart in recent weeks, prompting many questions.
Just a year after signing a hefty contract extension with the Patriots, safety Kyle Dugger appears to be fighting for his spot on the roster.
The Patriots have reportedly talked to at least one other team about trading Dugger, and he has also been mentioned as a possible surprise cut candidate. He has played late in the second half of all three preseason games, which is something that starters typically don’t do.
Considering that Dugger’s one of the top-12 highest paid safeties in the league, he’d be an incredibly pricey backup. He also has a rookie, Craig Woodson, seemingly in front of him on the depth chart.
Dugger was asked for his view of the situation after the game on Thursday night.
“I try not to think about it,” Dugger said. “I try to use the opportunities that I have to get back to playing fast and getting those reps.”
Dugger has produced this preseason. He recorded an interception in each of the last two games. He had six tackles in the finale Thursday night. Coach Mike Vrabel said the improvement has been noticeable. A high-ankle sprain was a hurdle for Dugger in the offseason, but his recovery is progressing, the coach said.
“I think he has continued to take advantage of the opportunities and the reps. I think he’s beginning to feel more comfortable,” Vrabel said. “We talked about a long rehab process in the offseason that he committed to, but it wasn’t a quick rehab process. He had surgery.
“I think that he’s gotten better. I think he’s improved,” the coach added. “I think he’s feeling better. It looks like he’s feeling better on tape. That’s good to see. Those are all positive things.”
Still, Dugger says he does not feel good about what he’s shown on tape this summer. He said there’s a lot to improve. This is a player who had 109 tackles two years ago and is coming off of his first season without forcing a turnover since he was a rookie.
Dugger said he’s not worried about what might happen to his job. He has faith that things will work out.
“Things are going to go how they’re going to go,” Dugger said. “I’m going to keep trusting God in it and keep moving up, taking advantage of the opportunities that I have, and get back to playing fast.”
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