Kyle Dugger, one of the top-12 highest-paid safeties, has slid down the Patriots' depth chart a year after signing a sizable extension and now faces trade or cut speculation. The team reportedly contacted at least one other club about a possible trade, and Dugger has consistently played late in the second half of all three preseason games, while rookie Craig Woodson appears ahead of him on the depth chart. Dugger recorded interceptions in each of the last two preseason games and had six tackles in the finale. Coach Mike Vrabel said Dugger has steadily improved and is progressing in recovery from offseason high-ankle surgery.
"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."
"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.
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