According to a team press release, the New England Patriots have cut ties with undrafted rookie receiver Matt Roark. This comes just one day after he reportedly failed his physical, and was placed on the active/non-football injury list.
The 6-foot-5, 214 pound receiver was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Kentucky back on May 10. Because of stiff competition at his position, it was highly unlikely that Roark really even had a prayer to make the roster--nonetheless the practice squad. With Roark gone, the Patriots WR corps looks like this:
Wide Receivers (10): Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Deion Branch, Donte Stallworth, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater, Jeremy Ebert, Jesse Holley, Britt Davis.
The subtraction of Roark gives the Patriots yet another open roster spot. Might there be a Visanthe Shiancoe signing on the way? Or, is old friend Andre Carter close to returning to the defensive line? Or, with two open spots, could both moves be in the works?
We'll have to wait and see....