Sterling

Moore

Moore gets the call with Josh Barrett (calf) landing on IR. He’ll provide secondary depth and fill a special teams role.

Moore has the versatility New England values with the ability to play both corner and safety. Silvestro is an undrafted rookie. Fuller was signed just a few days ago. He must have not looked very good in the practice field.

Moore is a versatile, albeit unheralded player that was serviceable in Week 10 and masked by Tyler Palko’s deficiencies this week. Chung’s injury may be going the wrong direction, as he was a game-time decision last week and was ruled out mid-week this time around. Regardless, the Eagles’ passing game has an amazing matchup next week.

Moore not only knocked the potential game-winner out of Lee Evans’ hands last week, he also came up with a huge third-down pass breakup to Dennis Pitta. NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell doubts Bill Belichick will risk Julian Edelman in coverage on explosive slot receiver Victor Cruz, so Moore should continue to have a major role in the Super Bowl.

Moore surprisingly played all 73 of New England’s defensive snaps in Week 10 against the Jets despite being signed off the practice squad just four days earlier, and was used heavily in Weeks 11 and 12. He was de-emphasized against the Colts, however, and will be replaced by fellow rookie Malcolm Williams. So it goes in New England’s secondary.

Dennard is versatile enough to play corner on the inside or outside and can help out at safety. He’ll spend training camp trying to beat out the likes of Will Allen, Sterling Moore, and Marquice Cole for a roster spot.

Moore went undrafted last season, but made a name for himself with a strong postseason for a Patriots team with an injury-plagued secondary. Working as the team’s fourth corner during offseason practices, Moore has a strong shot at beating out Will Allen and Alfonzo Dennard.

Last year’s Patriots playoff hero for breaking up a would-be Lee Evans TD in the AFC Championship Game, Moore was a scapegoat for New England’s early-season pass defense woes. He’s versatile enough to play three defensive back spots.

The Pats’ nickel back, Moore’s the first scapegoat for New England’s abysmal pass defense even though he’s graded out neutrally in Pro Football Focus’ coverage ratings. A hero in last year’s playoffs, Moore may not slip through waivers unclaimed.

They were both special teams prospects. The Patriots now have two roster spots cleared, potentially for DT Ron Brace (elbow) and RB Kevin Faulk (knee) to come off the PUP list. Moore and Ventrone should both easily clear waivers.