14 days ago
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon and his wife Anna are mourning the loss of their newborn son.
On Tuesday (September 29), Anna took to Instagram to share the news, revealing that the baby, Peter James Raridon, had died shortly after his birth earlier this month.
"Our angel, Peter James Raridon, was born on September 11th," she began her post. "When Eli and I went in for our 20-week anatomy scan, excited to see our sweet baby boy, our hearts were forever changed. Our little one was diagnosed with anencephaly, a fatal condition in which he would not survive outside the womb."
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our baby boy home, I am grateful to have loved him deeply, kept him safe, and had been his home for the past 9 months before he was called back to Heaven," she continued.
#peter #shop #home
On Tuesday (September 29), Anna took to Instagram to share the news, revealing that the baby, Peter James Raridon, had died shortly after his birth earlier this month.
"Our angel, Peter James Raridon, was born on September 11th," she began her post. "When Eli and I went in for our 20-week anatomy scan, excited to see our sweet baby boy, our hearts were forever changed. Our little one was diagnosed with anencephaly, a fatal condition in which he would not survive outside the womb."
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"While we are absolutely devastated that we were unable to bring our baby boy home, I am grateful to have loved him deeply, kept him safe, and had been his home for the past 9 months before he was called back to Heaven," she continued.
#peter #shop #home
1 month ago
Mike Vrabel used his weekly Monday appearance on The Greg Hill Show on Sportsradio 93.7 WEEI to work back through New England's 13-10 loss in Seattle, and the players he chose to talk about were three rookies who had never taken an NFL snap before Sept. 9: tight end Eli Raridon, edge rusher Gabe Jacas and linebacker Namdi Obiazor.
Raridon, the third-round pick out of Notre Dame, caught a two-yard touchdown from Drake Maye that produced the first points of the 2026 NFL season. He played 38 offensive snaps, 54 percent of New England's total, working as the second tight end behind Hunter Henry.
Jacas, taken 55th overall out of Illinois after the Patriots sent three picks to the Los Angeles Chargers to move up, came off a double team for his first career sack and later added a tackle for loss.
Obiazor, a sixth-round pick from TCU, opened the game with a hit on the kickoff and played 20 special teams snaps without seeing a defensive one.
Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before the start of practices at the team's OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
#jacas #obiazor #Patriots #taken
Raridon, the third-round pick out of Notre Dame, caught a two-yard touchdown from Drake Maye that produced the first points of the 2026 NFL season. He played 38 offensive snaps, 54 percent of New England's total, working as the second tight end behind Hunter Henry.
Jacas, taken 55th overall out of Illinois after the Patriots sent three picks to the Los Angeles Chargers to move up, came off a double team for his first career sack and later added a tackle for loss.
Obiazor, a sixth-round pick from TCU, opened the game with a hit on the kickoff and played 20 special teams snaps without seeing a defensive one.
Jun 2, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel holds a press conference before the start of practices at the team's OTA at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
#jacas #obiazor #Patriots #taken
1 month ago
It has been a rough start to the season for the New England Patriots. They dropped the Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 and lost their star wide receiver AJ Brown for at least the next four games in the process with a high ankle sprain.
Brown exited the game in the third quarter and did not return. New England scored all their points in the first half and were held without points after Brown exited. Their top receivers are now Romeo Doubs, Demario Douglas and Mack Hollins although quarterback Drake Maye could not seem to get on the same page as Doubs who did not have a single catch.
Douglas finished the opener with five catches but only 20 yards while Hollins was the Patriots' leading receiver with 51 total yards. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon scored New England's only touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
Not only are the Patriots without Brown for the next four weeks at least, but they are also currently without running back TreVeyon Henderson who missed the opener. It is unclear whether or not he will be available for New England's week two matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Perhaps in the only bright spot of the game for them, Rhamondre Stevenson had a good game in relief of Henderson with 95 scrimmage yards - 51 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards on five receptions. Nonetheless, adjusting the offense to Brown being out of the lineup is going to be difficult for the reigning AFC Champions who will face the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills without their top receiver.
#Patriots #receiver
Brown exited the game in the third quarter and did not return. New England scored all their points in the first half and were held without points after Brown exited. Their top receivers are now Romeo Doubs, Demario Douglas and Mack Hollins although quarterback Drake Maye could not seem to get on the same page as Doubs who did not have a single catch.
Douglas finished the opener with five catches but only 20 yards while Hollins was the Patriots' leading receiver with 51 total yards. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon scored New England's only touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
Not only are the Patriots without Brown for the next four weeks at least, but they are also currently without running back TreVeyon Henderson who missed the opener. It is unclear whether or not he will be available for New England's week two matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Perhaps in the only bright spot of the game for them, Rhamondre Stevenson had a good game in relief of Henderson with 95 scrimmage yards - 51 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards on five receptions. Nonetheless, adjusting the offense to Brown being out of the lineup is going to be difficult for the reigning AFC Champions who will face the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills without their top receiver.
#Patriots #receiver
2 months ago
The New England Patriots turned back the intensity on Sunday. After a full pads session on Saturday and another expected to come on Monday, head coach Mike Vrabel opted for a walkthrough.
To recap it, please head over to our Patriots training camp notebook. In the meantime, here is who caught our eyes.
N/A: Considering that the Patriots held a walkthrough on Sunday, we will refrain from naming one individual player as today's standout. The day was not about performance and competition, after all, but more on mental work and — from our point of view — who was part of which groups.
RB Lan Larison and RB Jam Miller: Larison was with the starting offensive group on Sunday working with quarterback Drake Maye as the No. 3 running back. He additionally also served as part of the top kickoff returner pairing alongside Kyle Williams. Miller, meanwhile, seemingly remains behind him on the depth chart for both roles despite a solid showing in the preseason opener.
TE Tanner Arkin: Despite seeing consistent starter reps earlier in camp, Arkin did not join Drake Maye and company in the practice bubble on Sunday. He stayed outdoors with the backups providing looks for the starting defense, while only Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon went indoors.
#Patriots #maye #despite
To recap it, please head over to our Patriots training camp notebook. In the meantime, here is who caught our eyes.
N/A: Considering that the Patriots held a walkthrough on Sunday, we will refrain from naming one individual player as today's standout. The day was not about performance and competition, after all, but more on mental work and — from our point of view — who was part of which groups.
RB Lan Larison and RB Jam Miller: Larison was with the starting offensive group on Sunday working with quarterback Drake Maye as the No. 3 running back. He additionally also served as part of the top kickoff returner pairing alongside Kyle Williams. Miller, meanwhile, seemingly remains behind him on the depth chart for both roles despite a solid showing in the preseason opener.
TE Tanner Arkin: Despite seeing consistent starter reps earlier in camp, Arkin did not join Drake Maye and company in the practice bubble on Sunday. He stayed outdoors with the backups providing looks for the starting defense, while only Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon went indoors.
#Patriots #maye #despite
2 months ago
New England Patriots tight end C.J. Dippre is officially off the physically unable to perform list.
The second-year former Alabama standout was in uniform for Wednesday's walkthrough practice after opening up training camp on the PUP list, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Dippre signed with the Patriots in May 2025, after going undrafted that year. He was signed to the active roster last November, but he spent most of the year on the practice squad.
Dippre was spotted on the practice field Wednesday wearing a brace on his left wrist. That had some wondering if he was out due to a wrist injury. Whatever the case may be, the Patriots are certainly glad to have him back in the fold to help improve their tight end depth.
Dippre has some ground to make up with Eli Raridon sliding into the No. 2 tight end role behind Hunter Henry. Rookie Tanner Arkin has also stepped up as the primary blocking, No. 3, tight end option.
#england
The second-year former Alabama standout was in uniform for Wednesday's walkthrough practice after opening up training camp on the PUP list, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Dippre signed with the Patriots in May 2025, after going undrafted that year. He was signed to the active roster last November, but he spent most of the year on the practice squad.
Dippre was spotted on the practice field Wednesday wearing a brace on his left wrist. That had some wondering if he was out due to a wrist injury. Whatever the case may be, the Patriots are certainly glad to have him back in the fold to help improve their tight end depth.
Dippre has some ground to make up with Eli Raridon sliding into the No. 2 tight end role behind Hunter Henry. Rookie Tanner Arkin has also stepped up as the primary blocking, No. 3, tight end option.
#england
3 months ago
New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon is getting adjusted to the NFL game.
Raridon expressed to reporters after training camp practice just how much the game is starting to slow down for him as he progresses through the summer.
"I think things are starting to slow down for me," Raridon said, via Mass Live's Mark Daniels. "Obviously, I'm not 100% acclimated with the offense, but compared to the spring, it's a night and day difference, so it's going well."
The Patriots selected Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently the backup tight end for New England behind Hunter Henry.
The Patriots will incorporate Raridon into their offense next season among many other receivers in their crowded offense. His progression this summer contrasts with where he was at performance-wise dating back to last spring and will contribute to the workload that he is able to garner in the upcoming season.
#raridon #offense #slow #down
Raridon expressed to reporters after training camp practice just how much the game is starting to slow down for him as he progresses through the summer.
"I think things are starting to slow down for me," Raridon said, via Mass Live's Mark Daniels. "Obviously, I'm not 100% acclimated with the offense, but compared to the spring, it's a night and day difference, so it's going well."
The Patriots selected Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently the backup tight end for New England behind Hunter Henry.
The Patriots will incorporate Raridon into their offense next season among many other receivers in their crowded offense. His progression this summer contrasts with where he was at performance-wise dating back to last spring and will contribute to the workload that he is able to garner in the upcoming season.
#raridon #offense #slow #down
3 months ago
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is confident that tight end Eli Raridon will be able to play with NFL-level speed next season.
Speaking at a press conference, Vrabel spoke highly of Raridon and the vision that he has for him for next season. The Patriots are clearly expecting a lot from the rookie third-round draft pick after losing veteran Julian Hill to a season-ending injury.
Austin Hooper also left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
"New offense," Vrabel said. "New scheme. New NFL. Capable, willing learner. We'll see when pads come on. Things change. But I think he's tried to play with the speed that we felt like he had, and may not always have shown."
Raridon is in line to be the Patriots' backup tight end behind Hunter Henry next season. He went for 482 receiving yards in his final collegiate year at Notre Dame and was highly-touted for his skills as a receiver and a blocker.
#raridon #highly
Speaking at a press conference, Vrabel spoke highly of Raridon and the vision that he has for him for next season. The Patriots are clearly expecting a lot from the rookie third-round draft pick after losing veteran Julian Hill to a season-ending injury.
Austin Hooper also left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
"New offense," Vrabel said. "New scheme. New NFL. Capable, willing learner. We'll see when pads come on. Things change. But I think he's tried to play with the speed that we felt like he had, and may not always have shown."
Raridon is in line to be the Patriots' backup tight end behind Hunter Henry next season. He went for 482 receiving yards in his final collegiate year at Notre Dame and was highly-touted for his skills as a receiver and a blocker.
#raridon #highly
3 months ago
After holding a lighter practice on Tuesday, the New England Patriots are expected to ramp back up the intensity for Day 4 of training camp on Tuesday.
The defense got the better of the offense during the last competitive team period, and quarterback Drake Maye threw his first interception of training camp on an intended pass to star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Safety Craig Woodson, who has continued to show significant growth as an NFL defensive back, came up with the takeaway.
All eyes will be on Maye and the offense to see how they bounce back against the stingy Patriots defense. Can the third-year quarterback finally get things clicking with Brown on the field? Will some of the other new faces, like wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Eli Raridon make more of an impact?
Check back for live updates from practice.
Tuesday, July 28: 10:15-12:15 p.m. ET
#back #brown #practice #training
The defense got the better of the offense during the last competitive team period, and quarterback Drake Maye threw his first interception of training camp on an intended pass to star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Safety Craig Woodson, who has continued to show significant growth as an NFL defensive back, came up with the takeaway.
All eyes will be on Maye and the offense to see how they bounce back against the stingy Patriots defense. Can the third-year quarterback finally get things clicking with Brown on the field? Will some of the other new faces, like wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Eli Raridon make more of an impact?
Check back for live updates from practice.
Tuesday, July 28: 10:15-12:15 p.m. ET
#back #brown #practice #training
3 months ago
Based on the New England Patriots' 2026 offseason moves, the organization made improving quarterback Drake Maye's offensive weapons a priority. In the process, the Patriots added to a previously aging tight end room.
Following an Austin Hooper exit to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, New England signed hybrid tight end Julian Hill. It also selected Notre Dame's Eli Raridon in the third round of the NFL Draft. However, a season-ending injury to Hill during a spring practice left a void in the group that remains unresolved.
In the final edition of our Patriots training camp preview series, we'll take a look at New England's tight end corps in its entirety and discuss the biggest takeaways heading into the summer practices.
*Denotes player on the Pats Pulpit 53-man roster projection
Starters: Hunter Henry (31)*, Eli Raridon (22/R)* | Backups: Tanner Arkin (22/R)*, Jack Westover (27), C.J. Dippre (24), Mitch Van Vooren (25), Jeremiah Franklin (22) | IR: Julian Hill (25)
#hill #tight #drake
Following an Austin Hooper exit to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, New England signed hybrid tight end Julian Hill. It also selected Notre Dame's Eli Raridon in the third round of the NFL Draft. However, a season-ending injury to Hill during a spring practice left a void in the group that remains unresolved.
In the final edition of our Patriots training camp preview series, we'll take a look at New England's tight end corps in its entirety and discuss the biggest takeaways heading into the summer practices.
*Denotes player on the Pats Pulpit 53-man roster projection
Starters: Hunter Henry (31)*, Eli Raridon (22/R)* | Backups: Tanner Arkin (22/R)*, Jack Westover (27), C.J. Dippre (24), Mitch Van Vooren (25), Jeremiah Franklin (22) | IR: Julian Hill (25)
#hill #tight #drake
4 months ago
One of the most problematic positions facing the New England Patriots ahead of training camp is at tight end.
The top of the depth chart is solidified with returning veteran Hunter Henry. Still, there are real questions about the team's depth after losing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury in the spring.
The Patriots are desperately clinging to hope that rookie third-round draft pick Eli Raridon can contribute right out of the gate, but it's always a stretch depending on that kind of progress from a first-year tight end. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Patriots explore the possibility of bringing in a veteran tight end to boost the competition at the position in training camp.
Here's where things currently stand at the position:
Hunter Henry
The top of the depth chart is solidified with returning veteran Hunter Henry. Still, there are real questions about the team's depth after losing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury in the spring.
The Patriots are desperately clinging to hope that rookie third-round draft pick Eli Raridon can contribute right out of the gate, but it's always a stretch depending on that kind of progress from a first-year tight end. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Patriots explore the possibility of bringing in a veteran tight end to boost the competition at the position in training camp.
Here's where things currently stand at the position:
Hunter Henry
4 months ago
The New England Patriots are a deep team.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
They added several marquee players to their roster this offseason. New England maintained the strength of their front four and their secondary by replacing the departing K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins with Dre'Mont Jones and Kevin Byard. They also made many improvements to their offensive line, but their offensive weapons around quarterback Drake Maye are the best they've been since he entered the league.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his ranking of the NFL's wide receiver, tight end and running back groups of playmakers for next season, the Patriots' unit ranks No. 10 in the league.
"The top 10 starts with the Patriots, who added an elite receiver to the mix after trading for A.J. Brown this summer," Barnwell said. "Brown left Philadelphia after a frustrating 2025 season, but there's still plenty of evidence that Brown is one of the top wideouts in all of football. … While there's a drop-off from Brown to the rest of the lineup, the Patriots are much deeper than they've been in years."
Brown and Doubs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, with upside that might potentially be getting overlooked for next season. Henderson and Stevenson are two running backs who have the capability to rush for 1,000 yards, and the addition of rookie tight end Eli Raridon gives New England a good replacement for Austin Hooper behind Hunter Henry for next season.
