5 Minutes of Fame

This is your last shot. Don’t blow it.

That’s the reality for about a dozen players on the Patriots roster. If they were going to make their case to be on the roster or practice squad, Thursday is their last chance to make an impression.

Already New England made a few moves to clear up a couple of competitions. Releasing QB Kevin O’Connell ensured that Andrew Walter would be the back-up with Brian Hoyer the emergency/developmental passer. Rookie long snapper Jake Ingram edged free agent Nathan Hodel. And Tank Williams’ release locks in Brandon Merriweather, James Sanders, Brandon McGowan and Pat Chung as the safetys.

Other players know they’re just rotation players to keep other fresh during practice. So RB Chirs Taylor, WR Robert Ortiz and DB Herana-Daze Jones, it was nice knowing ya.

One game won’t determine if they make the cut, but a great performance tomorrow might make coaches take a second look. The positions with players in the balance:

Linebacker: Eric Alexander looks incapable of being an ILB. His poor play could open the door for Paris Lenon if the Pats try out the former Detroit Lion inside. Vinny Ciurciu could replace Alexander on special teams.

Defensive line: Steve Williams showed a little ability, but is well behind the active Myron Pryor. Darryl Richard, because of time missed in training camp, will have a tough time catching up. Titus Adams is on his third “New” team (York Giants and York Jets previously). Rob Ninkovich applied decent pressure, but it might not be enough. The fate of these five depends in part whether the 3-4 or the 4-3 is the primary defensive set.

Defensive back: Besides Jones, there’s not much hope for Jamar Love, unless Terrance Wheatley is a surprise cut.

Wide receiver: Terrance Nunn was a training camp star and showed it against Cincinnati. He probably won’t get past Greg Lewis or Joey Galloway. Matt Slater might avoid the hatchet due to his special teams play. Raymond Ventrone hung on for four years, but this might be it for the converted safety.

Offensive line: Guards Ryan Wendell and Rich Orhnberger have a prayer after the Patriots traded Russ Hochstein. Wesley Britt and George Bussey probably are closer to the edge as Sebastian Vollmer established himself.

Tight end: If it’s between Ben Watson and Alex Smith, New England will stick with a known commodity. Smith has been awful thus far and gives the Patriots little to no reason to keep him on board.

Rest in peace, RB John Stephens.