With cuts looming next week, the 29-year-old veteran's presence on the field in the second half Thursday night warrants questions about his spot on the 53-man roster.

Often, veterans who play deep into preseason games are released at the end of the summer, and Dugger — particularly after undergoing surgery — has played at a level that could put him on the chopping block ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger made his first comment since rumors started swirling that he might be traded. He spoke after the preseason finale against the New York Giants on Thursday.