Sundays are for football, and they are also for A to Z Sports' latest 53-man roster projection. 

The New England Patriots hosted the Carolina Panthers in its first preseason game, winning 17-3. Many players shined, making an even better case to make the roster, while others pushed themselves further down on the depth chart. 

Here's where we see things standing heading into Preseason Week 2. 

Patriots 53-man roster projection 

Quarterbacks (3)

IN: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III 
OUT: Bailey Zappe

Zappe got the majority of time during the first preseason game, but didn't do much to prove himself. He's currently competing with Milton for that third quarterback spot, but after the rookie's standout performance, Zappe's time in New England appears to be done. 

As for Brissett and Maye, those were two roster locks even before camp started. Brissett is viewed as the starter, while Maye is seen as the quarterback of the future. 

Running Backs (3)

IN: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris 
OUT: JaMycal Hasty, Terrell Jennings

Stevenson is the Patriots' clear top running back on the roster, but bringing in Antonio Gibson provided some much needed depth in the backfield, and a different skill set. Regarding Harris, he has not had the best camp, struggling with some drops and fumbles, but his efforts last season after Stevenson was sidelined with an injury should be enough to keep him on for the time being. 

Wide Receivers (7)

IN: Javon Baker, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte
OUT: Kawaan Baker, JaQuae Jackson, David Wallis
PUP: Kendrick Bourne

This was one of the tougher positional groups to narrow down. And that's because many of them have had some shining moments at different points throughout training camp. Wallis had an impressive punt return during the first preseason game, while Jackson caught a bomb from Milton and got into the end zone. But when looking at camp as a whole and who has the best chance to contribute throughout the season, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, and Kayshon Boutte are a more reliable presence. For Bourne, starting the season on PUP means he would miss at least four games.

Tight Ends (3)

IN: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell
OUT: Jacob Warren, Mitchell Wilcox, La'Michael Pettway

When talking about roster locks, Henry and Hooper are the clear top two tight ends. Bell, whom the Patriots drafted in the last round, has done enough in the preseason to earn a spot. 

Offensive Line (8)

IN: David Andrews, Nick Leverett, Vederian Lowe, Chukwuma Okorafor, Mike Onwenu, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Caedan Wallce
OUT: Atonio Mafi, Calvin Anderson, Kellen Diesch, Liam Fornadel, Zuri Henry, Michael Jordan, Charles Turner
PUP: Cole Strange
IR: Jake Andrews

The offensive line is one of the most concerning areas of the offense going into the season, with the team struggling to have definitive tackles. Andrews will of course be at center, with Sidy Sow on his left at guard. Onwenu has spent most of training camp at right guard, but the team's best bet might be to move him to right tackle. That would leave Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side. 

But we'll see what happens

Defensive Line (6)

IN: Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Armon Watts, Trysten Hill

OUT: Mike Purcell, Sam Roberts, William Bradley-King, Jotham Russell, Josiah Bronson, IR: Christian Barmore

With Barmore, who was one of the top players on the d-line last season, sidelined due to blood clots, it's unlikely he will be ready to go early in the season. Godchaux is an easy one and has become even more valuable with Barmore sidelined, along with Ekuale who will fill in at that spot. Pharms earned his spot with his standout performance in Thursday's preseason game. We have Watts currently making the roster along with Trysten Hill. 

Linebacker (4)

IN: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Christian Elliss, Raekwon McMillan, Jahlani Tavai 
OUT: Steele Chambers, Joe Giles-Harris
PUP: Sione Takitaki

The only one surprise on this list truly is Elliss, but he has been a standout in camp. 

Edge (5)

IN: Matthew Judon, Keion White, Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Oshane Ximines
OUT: John Morgan

Not much to say on this group. Judon, White, Uche, and Jennings are all important pieces of the defense, and Ximines has had a solid camp. 

Cornerback (6)

IN: Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial, Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones
OUT: Marco Wilson, Mikey Victory, Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn

Six cornerbacks on the roster does seem like a lot for the team, but it's really hard to cut them down because all have had their moments during camp. So this is what we're going with for now. 

Safeties (5)
IN: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawins, Brenden Schooler, Dell Pettus
OUT: Joshuah Bledsoe
PUP: Marte Mapu

Mapu hasn't seen anytime at training camp, appearing to be dealing with an injury. So because of that, the team could start him on PUP. And that would leave an open a spot for undrafted rookie Dell Pettus who has had an incredible camp

Specialists (3)

IN: Joey Slye, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona
OUT: Chad Ryland, Tucker Addington

The kicking competition is still pretty much open, so this was a tough one to pick. But based off of the preseason game, it was Slye who was tasked with the field goal, while Ryland only got the extra points. Just based on that, it seems like Slye might be a little ahead.