Linebacker Trevor Bates, seeking to become the third native Mainer named to the New England Patriots’ active roster, was waived Saturday as the team cut down its roster before the 4 p.m. deadline.
Bates, the former Westbrook High and UMaine standout, is expected to be added to the team’s practice squad. A seventh-round pick by the Colts in the 2016 draft, Bates made the Indianapolis practice squad, then was signed to the Colts’ 53-man roster Oct. 5. He played in one game (Oct. 9 vs. Chicago) and was cut four days later.
After workouts with the Lions and Patriots, he signed with New England and spent the rest of the season on the practice squad.
He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots last year following their 34-28 comeback overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Bates entered training camp looking to impress with his flexibility and willingness to help where he could.
“Wherever they want me to play,” said the 6-foot-2, 247-pound Bates. “Off the ball, on the ball, special teams. Wherever they want me, I’m there.”
Even though he was cut, Bates impressed the New England coaching staff.
“He works hard, a tough kid, out there every day, good offseason,” said Coach Bill Belichick, also impressed with Bates’ flexibility.
“He’s played some on the line, some off the line, runs well. Again, a tough kid … but he’s shown that versatility.”
Bates was a three-sport standout at Westbrook High. He arrived in Orono with a $1,000 scholarship and by the time he graduated was a three-time all-Colonial Athletic Association selection, including first-team honors as a senior. He finished his college career with 19 sacks, 35 tackles for a loss and three interceptions.
Only two native Mainers have been named to the roster for the Patriots — Dennis Gadbois of Biddeford in 1987-88 and Dave Cloutier of Augusta in 1964.
The Patriots traded quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the Indianapolis Colts for wideout and kick returner Phillip Dorsett, according to multiple media reports. Earlier in the day, New England acquired cornerback and special teams standout Johnson Bademosi from the Detroit Lions for an undisclosed draft pick.
Brissett played well in Thursday’s preseason finale, completing 28 of 39 passes for 340 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. The 2016 third-round pick started two games as a rookie last season while Tom Brady served his four-game Deflategate suspension.
He had been expected to be the third-string quarterback behind Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo.
By bringing in Brissett, the Colts added depth at quarterback with Andrew Luck still working his way back from shoulder surgery.
Dorsett, a former first-rounder, had 51 catches for 753 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons with the Colts. He gives the Patriots another capable pass catcher with Julian Edelman out for the season with a knee injury.
Cornerback and special teamer Johnson Bademosi was acquired by the Patriots from Detroit for an undisclosed draft pick.
Cassius Marsh, a defensive lineman, was acquired by New England from Seattle for two future draft picks.
Pat Ricard, a former UMaine player and rookie defensive lineman with the Ravens, has earned a spot on Baltimore’s 53-man roster. Ricard has also been seeing some time at fullback in the preseason.
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