With just a week before the start of the regular NFL season, it seemed like the New England Patriots would have two former Panthers on their roster in 2016-17, but when the deadline for NFL teams to get their rosters to 53 rolled around, that possibility was eliminated.

Kamu Grugier-Hill was waived by the Patriots to get them down to the 53-man roster the league required, meaning any team in the NFL could pick him up and sign them to their team if they wish. If Grugier-Hill cleared waivers, the Patriots could have signed him to the practice squad.

Grugier-Hill was most likely not going to see much playing time at linebacker in his rookie season with the Patriots, but special teams was seeming like it was a good possibility for him.

But now, Grugier-Hill is going to head south a bit and be helping the Eagles throughout the 2016-17 season.

He is listed third on the Eagles depth chart, but after the uncertainty in New England, the Hawaii native is on the Eagles 53-man roster.

Grugier-Hill recorded five tackles in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

It will still be a couple of days, maybe even Sunday, until we find out what the former Eastern linebacker’s role on the team will be.

He may get some playing time on defense, but he is sitting at the third string spot for right now. Special teams could be an option, too.

Even though Grugier-Hill’s rookie season will not be with the Patriots, Jimmy Garoppolo is still there and is still going to be the starting quarterback for the first four games of the season.

Sean Hastings can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].