Only two days removed from being a roster cutdown casualty, inside linebacker Cassh Maluia is returning to the New England Patriots’ roster.
As reported on Monday by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, New England plans to promote the rookie defender from their practice squad to the 53-Man roster. To make room for Maluia, the Patriots are placing defensive tackle Beau Allen on injured reserve, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
Allen, who signed with the Patriots as a free agent in March, has been sidelined throughout training camp with an undisclosed injury; thus making his move to IR far from surprising. He had been expected to assume the role vacated by Danny Shelton, who signed with the Detroit Lions during the offseason. Based on the league’s IR guidelines, Allen will be eligible to return after three weeks.
Maluia, however, performed well in Patriots training camp. His speed and short-area movement skills made him effective when moving laterally as an off-the-ball linebacker. Still, he landed on the practice squad after being waived on Saturday, and subsequently passing unclaimed through waivers. His release was seen as somewhat of a surprise, considering that the Patriots had spent a sixth-round pick on the Wyoming product in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Maluia rejoins a group of inside linebackers that includes Ja’Whaun Bentley, as well as fellow rookies Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings. He should provide depth and assistance on both run defense and coverage, along with contributions on special teams.
The Patriots will spend the week preparing to open the regular season on Sunday, September 13, against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
-Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and Columnist for Full Press Coverage. He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. He is also the host of the Locked On Patriots podcast. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC
