Bryce Baringer injury forced an immediate special-teams adjustment Monday, with New England coach Mike Vrabel telling reporters the absence is “serious enough that we will probably have to sign a new punter,” according to Boston.com/AP. The comment makes bringing in a punter likely while the team evaluates short-term options.
Report: Boston.com/AP
What Vrabel said and immediate implications
Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Monday that the injury will keep Bryce Baringer out for a significant period, though he did not disclose medical specifics. “It’s serious enough that we will probably have to sign a new punter,” Vrabel said, per Boston.com/AP.
Vrabel’s wording was cautious and left room for change; signing a replacement is described as likely but not finalized. Any roster moves will be preliminary until the team announces transactions.
Who filled in vs. Philadelphia: Behren Morton steps up
With Baringer unable to finish the preseason game, the Patriots turned to third-string punter and emergency option Behren Morton. Morton averaged 44.3 yards per punt on three attempts while filling in, and he also threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Nick DeGennaro in the final minute, a notable two-way contribution that helped New England escape with the lead.
Vrabel praised the decision to avoid forcing Baringer back onto the field: “So I figured instead of risking anything there with Bryce or with Andy [Borregales], that [third-string quarterback] Behren [Morton] was able to get us out of there,” he said, per Boston.com/AP. The coach framed Morton’s work as a short-term answer while the club evaluates options.
Patriots’ likely options at punter
Boston.com/AP reports the Patriots will probably monitor the free-agent market for a veteran punter while weighing an internal audition for Morton. That process typically includes evaluating practice reps, hang time and directional placement during the remaining preseason practices, and measuring how quickly a new addition could be integrated into kickoff and punt-return schemes.
League context widens the pool: the 49ers did not re-sign Thomas Morestead and the Giants cut Jamie Gillan this offseason, moves that Boston.com says increase available veteran options. Any interest in those or other veterans would be exploratory; the team has not announced a target or signing.
Baringer’s career and contract context
Bryce Baringer has been New England’s primary punter since 2023 and entered the 2026 season with a streak of 51 consecutive regular-season games played. His career numbers include a 47.9-yard average and a long of 79 yards, per Boston.com/AP. Those metrics are among the reasons the club will weigh short-term replacements carefully.
Boston.com/AP also notes this is a contract year for Baringer; his deal expires at the end of the season and he would be an unrestricted free agent if no new agreement is reached. That contract context raises roster-stake questions about serviceable alternatives while Baringer is sidelined.
Timing: roster cut window and upcoming schedule
Urgency around the punter spot is heightened by the roster calendar and the Patriots’ preseason schedule.
- The Patriots’ preseason finale is in Cleveland on Thursday night.
- The deadline to trim the roster to 53 players is Sunday evening.
- New England’s season-opening rematch with Seattle is a little more than two weeks away.
With that timeline, integrating any new punter into special-teams work would have to happen quickly if the club proceeds with a veteran signing. Boston.com/AP frames the coming days as the most likely window for confirmation of any roster moves.
Bryce Baringer injury: what remains unclear
The specific nature and expected recovery time of Baringer’s injury were not disclosed and remain unconfirmed. Boston.com/AP reports only that the injury will keep him out for a “significant” amount of time; no medical details or timelines have been released.
Additionally, whether Morton will receive a longer audition, whether the team will promote a practice-squad candidate, or whether New England will sign a veteran free agent is still preliminary. Coach comments indicate options are being considered, but no transaction has been confirmed as of this report.
By the numbers: quick reference
- Career average (Baringer): 47.9 yards
- Career long (Baringer): 79 yards
- Consecutive regular-season games played: 51
- Morton vs. Philadelphia: 44.3-yard average on three punts
Bottom line
The immediate effect of the Bryce Baringer injury is clear: New England will likely need to add a punter while the team assesses recovery and roster options. Behren Morton‘s short relief stint provided solid distance and a clutch play, but the front office appears prepared to explore external options on short notice, per Boston.com/AP coverage.
Watch for official team announcements between the preseason finale and the roster cut deadline; those windows are when signings or moves are most likely to be confirmed. This report is grounded in Boston.com/AP coverage and coach quotes from a Monday news session.
Source: Boston.com/AP
