Patriots work out rookie cornerback after Carlton Davis, Charles Woods injuries

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jeremiah McClendon #8 of the Southern Illinois Salukis breaks up a pass intended for Arhmad Branch #6 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the first quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots' cornerback group suffered some losses early in training camp. Starter Carlton Davis has been out since the first week, while his backup, Charles Woods, suffered an injury during Thursday's practice.

Perhaps as a consequence of those issues, the team has invited a rookie free agent for a workout. Jeremiah McClendon is in town on Friday to try out for the Patriots, as first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

McClendon, 23, bounced around quite a bit even before his college career began. The three-star recruit initially committed and decommitted to both Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic before joining Marshall before his 2021 freshman campaign. After one season and five games, he joined Charleston Southern for a one-year stint and 10 more contests. He spent the 2023 season as a redshirt at Florida International before one more transfer to Southern Illinois for his final two seasons of college football.

In his two years with the Salukis, McClendon started 16 of his 20 games and posted some impressive numbers. Besides registering 84 tackles, he also had 18 pass breakups, three interceptions, a pair of sacks, two forced fumble, one recovery, and a blocked kick.

Primarily an outside cornerback in the mold of the aforementioned Davis and Woods, the 5-foot-11, 187-pounder went unselected in this year's NFL Draft. He joined the New Orleans Saints as a free agent but was released again in late May.

The patriots currently have a full roster. They hosted another free agent, veteran offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, on Thursday