Patriots Release Darnell Stapleton: What Could This Mean?

by Richard Hill on Aug 11, 2010 11:09 AM EDT in New England Patriots News

The Boston Globe is reporting that the Patriots have released newly added guard Darnell Stapleton. Stapleton was added to provide interior lineman depth as potential left guard Nick Kaczur went out with a back injury, leaving little depth behind him. Kaczur underwent medical review to see how bad his back is doing. The release of Stapleton can mean two things:

1) Nick Kaczur's injury isn't as bad as it was thought to be.

2) Logan Mankins might be getting closer to a contract.

I'm leaning towards the former idea, but I'm hoping that both scenarios are true. I don't see the team releasing Stapleton if there weren't some good news regarding either of those players.

After releasing Stapleton, the team resigned recently let go running back Thomas Clayton. Clayton should add some competition for BenJarvus Green-Ellis and the running backs.

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Don't forget option #3...

Darnell Stapelton just wasn’t good.

As much as I want it to be good news on Mankins/Kaczur…

by MikeDussault on Aug 11, 2010 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

This one

by Greg Knopping on Aug 11, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Aug 11, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

It means Stapleton wasn't good enough.

I wouldn’t connect it to Mankins or Kaczur.

Clayton’s return probably has more to do with Taylor or Morris than BJGE. I believe BJGE, Maroney, and Faulk are firmly on the 53-man roster. The remaining RB decision seems very much up in the air. I would not be surprised if they keep only four RB’s.

Clayton might have the advantage of youth over Taylor and Morris. He has their size, and the new youth movement is well under way. His return probably serves to put Taylor and Morris on notice – perform better or you are gone.

by couchpotato on Aug 11, 2010 3:46 PM EDT reply actions