What happened: New England has been encouraged by Reed's early work as he learns the defense after arriving from Houston in the late-August Kayshon Boutte deal. The 23-year-old made his Patriots debut on kicking units, playing eight of the club's 22 special teams snaps and none on defense. Coaches have been teaching him multiple safety spots as he moves through classroom work and on-field reps.

Why it matters: Reed gives the Patriots another young safety option after the completed late-August trade with Houston. If he absorbs multiple roles quickly, New England can widen his path from special teams into the secondary during the regular season.

What to watch: The next marker is whether Reed starts to pick up defensive work after his special teams-only debut. His usage over the next few games should show how quickly New England wants him in the safety rotation.