With Carpenter’s release, the Patriots’ linebacker corps looks like this: Starters: Mayo (weakside), Brandon Spikes (middle), Hightower (strongside) Backups: Mike Rivera (middle), Tracy White (weakside), Rob Ninkovich (statring end who could play linebacker) This group looks a bit thin, although the Patriots have also been using safeties Tavon Wilson and Nate Ebner in linebacker-type roles in often-used sub packages.
Schefter: Pats release Carpenter – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
You could even throw Jermaine Cunningham in at SLB in a pinch. The Pats will be fine without Carpenter, I was kind of surprised that we all had him easily on the 53-man roster. I just figured there was a special teams spot for him. Guess not.