Five Patriots who stood out in their first preseason game - espn.com

Mike Reiss Aug 16, 2026, 06:00 AM ET

Close Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and the NFL:

1. High five: The Patriots didn't play the majority of their starters in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts (a 13-13 tie ), so there weren't many seismic revelations about the team. It was mostly a game about developing depth and getting a first look at rookies.

With this in mind, here are five players whose performances appear to have them ascending -- or at least worthy of closer evaluation in their quest to earn a role on the team:

When the six-year veteran was signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract in March, the projection was that he was likely to fill the void created by Jack Gibbens ' free agent departure to Arizona. That role is as a top backup and core special teamer, but Britt seemed to be overtaken by Chad Muma and undrafted rookie Khalil Jacobs before what could represent a turnaround for Britt on Thursday.

The 6-foot, 240-pound Britt started, had a tackle behind the line of scrimmage that showcased his ability to play downhill with force, and then followed it up on the next play by chasing down quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and forcing a fumble, which Patriots teammate Isaiah Iton recovered. Britt played 14 defensive snaps and five on special teams.

"K.J. showed up with a veteran presence, physical presence, trying to help us on special teams and add versatility [by] trying to play both positions inside," coach Mike Vrabel said, referencing middle and weakside linebacker. "I have appreciated how he approached the offseason and now he's been given a chance to compete."

The seventh-round pick from Alabama seemed more likely to wind up on the practice squad when training camp began, but his chances of making the roster improved after the Patriots placed leading RB3 candidate Terrell Jennings on injured reserve before Thursday's game.

The 5-foot-10, 209-pound Miller started and played 22 snaps, totaling 55 yards on 14 carries (3.9 yards per carry) with some hard-charging running that included converting one short-yardage fourth-down rushing attempt behind first-round rookie right tackle Caleb Lomu.

"I felt like he ran with his pads down and had a couple physical runs, and was happy for him," coach Mike Vrabel said. "This is a great evaluation. We can start to figure out guys that can and start to figure out guys that can't, too."

Miller providing more special teams impact could help solidify his standing. Newly signed running back Hassan Haskins steamrolled his assignment on his initial snap on kickoff coverage -- the type of play that typically catches the attention of coaches.

One lingering question is whether the Patriots will keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, or just two, with the third layer of depth coming from the practice squad.

Morton totaled 30 snaps, all in the second half. The playcalling was mostly conservative (a lot of slants) as he finished 7-of-13 for 66 yards. Morton wasn't overwhelmed on the final drive -- ball on the 27-yard line with 1:10 left -- in helping get the Patriots in position for a 49-yard field goal attempt that could have won the game with two completions (while aided by a questionable unnecessary roughness penalty). It was a reflection that the moment wasn't too big for him.

"Trying to prove a point to be on this team," Morton said. "I think if you show you know what you are doing, that [earns] respect from the veterans."

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Swinson played behind starters Gabe Jacas and 2026 seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins, so his most extensive work didn't come until the second half. His power rush contributed to pressuring quarterback Riley Leonard on a pass intercepted by John Saunders Jr., and Swinson later had a batted pass on fourth down, which essentially caused another turnover.

Swinson played 38 snaps, the third-highest total among defenders, with three tackles and one quarterback hit. He is in the mix for a roster spot behind starters Dre'Mont Jones, Harold Landry III (currently on PUP), Elijah Ponder and Jacas.