Patriots vs. Bucs: Albert Haynesworth and 5 Veterans on the Roster Bubble

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It happens every preseason, but in some cases we're more surprised than we should be.

The 2011 NFL preseason is no exception and there will be those veterans who miss the cut.

That being said, both New England and Tampa Bay have some strategic decisions to make of their own, so Thursdays' game could be very telling.

Therefore, here are five vets who are on the cusp of being cut.

Albert Haynesworth

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This one should come as no surprise. Albert Haynesworth has missed practices and is well known to not be much of a team player.

In addition, he's not even dressing for Thursday's game against the Bucs.

In an article by Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, Albert is being left out: "The expectation is that more front-line players, headlined by quarterback Tom Brady and receiver Chad Ochocinco, will suit up for this one."

Reiss continues, "Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, however, isn't one of them. He is not expected to play after missing the week of practices."

If he keeps missing practices, Patriots fans may have to say good-bye to Albert Haynesworth.

Michael Spurlock

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This one will hurt Tampa Bay fans a little bit.

The Buccaneers faithful have a soft spot in their hearts for Michael Spurlock, as he became the first player in franchise history to return a kickoff back for a TD.

Well, it appears that kick returners are becoming obsolete with the new league change of moving the ball up on kickoffs and wedges haven't been legal for a few years now.

In addition, he's not one of their top tier WRs and since he is a return specialist that was his lock for making any squad.

Personally, I hope he makes it, but don't get your hopes up Bucs fans.

Sammy Morris

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He's 34 years old and is definitely on the back-end of his career.

Not to mention the Pats already have an abundance of solid RBs. Youngsters in Danny Woodhead, rookie Stevan Ridley from LSU and Benjarvis Green-Ellis will all be competing for time on the field.

Don't count out 35-year-old Kevin Faulk. He may be a year older than Morris, but he contributes more on a regular basis.

If Morris wants to be a part of New England, he may have to do so on the practice squad.

Gerard Warren

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Gerard Warren just recently re-signed with New England, but the 33-year-old is definitely one of the aged veterans on the Pats' D-line.

However, his signing could be due to the fact that Bill Belichick is thinking about canning Albert Haynesworth. Perhaps I just contradicted myself, but with their number of defensive linemen, he is going to have to work to make the cut.

And we all know Belichick doesn't want you if you're not going to perform for him.

Ashton Youboty

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He may only be entering his sixth NFL season, but Ashton Youboty would have been much better off now had he decided to play his senior season in college.

He left after his junior year and still became a third-round pick. Had he played all four in college, he could have been at least a second-rounder.

Since beginning his NFL career, Youboty hasn't been a full-time starter and although could bring some experience to the young Tampa team, CB Ronde Barber has more than enough for everyone.

Youboty's only shot at making the team is on special teams, because Coach Raheem Moore will be more geared towards his DBs that he drafted—as opposed to someone who hasn't performed on a consistent basis.

 

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

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