The Patriots cut veteran offensive lineman Sidy Sow on Friday, their fourth round pick in 2023. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Ben Woolridge played the entire final preseason game for the New England Patriots on Thursday night, and now we likely know why.

Either the Patriots weren’t quite sure whether or not to keep the 25-year-ld rookie signal caller or they wanted to give him plenty of film so he could find an opportunity as he was one of 14 players released by the team on Friday.

The other name player released was offensive lineman Sidy Sow, who was drafted a couple of years ago by the team and played regularly in 2023.

Also released were: TE Jaheim Bell, RB Micah Bernard, DT Philip Blidi, CB Isaiah Bolden, TE Cole Fotheringham, WR Phil Lutz, LB R.J. Moten, DT Kyle Peko, CB Jordan Polk, LB Monty Rice, G Tyrese Robinson, and RB Shane Watts.

Sow, 27, was drafted by New England in the fourth-round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Eastern Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 318-pounder, has played in 27 games with 14 starts during his two seasons in New England, seeing action at left guard, right guard, right tackle, fullback and as a tackle-eligible tight end.

Wooldridge, 25, was signed by New England as a rookie free agent on May 9, 2025, out of Louisiana. He began his college career at Fresno State before transferring to Louisiana for his final three seasons. His departure leaves New England with just Josh Dobbs backing up starter Drake Maye, but the likelihood is the Patriots will get another quarterback, if only for the practice squad that could be elevated to the game day roster or as the emergency third QB if needed. He was 10 of 20 for 82 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

“Tough day,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said. “Again, we’ve talked about this, try to have a personal side to this and a professional side. And this is clearly the professional side of what we have to do. 31 other teams are going to do the same thing between now and Tuesday. So again, just try to do it as respectfully as possible, and continue to function.”

Vrabel gave no hints of what might happen at QB.

“Other than just saying that now we have two,” he said. “I’m not sure how much other assessment – you know we’re there at two, and we’ll decide about who is, or if we plan on carrying a third quarterback on the 53 or on the practice squad. So, the only thing I can tell you is, as of now, we have two.”

BAKER COULD STAY

Vrabel hinted that perhaps Javon Baker, because of his speed on special teams, could have a chance to make the roster.

“Well, I think you look at the entire body of work, and I think you try to evaluate everything, not just the special teams, but what else can they do?” Vrabel said. “And in Javon’s case, he’s a wide receiver, and I think the more that he does the special teams, I think the better that he’s gotten, and he’ll understand how he can use his play strength, his speed, some of the receiving tools and fundamentals as a gunner, potentially.

“You know, we tried to get him some reps at corner yesterday on a punt return. He’s played on the kickoff for us. And you know, those are new, especially for a young player who’s played receiver most of his life. So, I think that the more that he’s done it, the more comfortable that he’s gotten and we’ll continue to evaluate him.”

SATURDAY OFF

The Patriots will be off today, and resume practice on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday is the final day of cuts to get to the 53-man roster limit by 4 p.m., and there is no media access that day.