With training camp and the preseason in the rearview, the New England Patriots have begun the process of cutting their roster down to 53 players. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel announced 14 players had been informed they had been let go on Friday,

The NFL’s roster cutdown deadline is nearly here, and the Patriots have some work to do to reach the 53-player limit by Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Patriots got a jump on things by cutting 14 players Friday, none of which came as much of a surprise. New England will have to make at least 23 transactions to reach 53 players.

The New England Patriots may have gotten an early start on their roster reduction process, but they still have a long way to go. Heading into Tuesday’s cutdown day, they still need to make 23 transactions to get below the NFL-mandated 53-man roster limit.