Report: Patriots Release Donte Stallworth, Tim Bulman

According to sources close to Pro Football Talk and WEEI, the New England Patriots have released wide receiver Donte Stallworth and Tim Bulman. These cuts are just two of several that are expected to happen before this afternoon's 75-man roster limit takes effect.

Stallworth, 31, was looking for a comeback bid with the Patriots after playing with them back in 2007. After leaving the Pats, Stallworth bounced around with three different teams in four years before returning to the team in 2012.

But as the preseason progressed, he seemed to fall behind the pack with key drops and missed routes. He wasn't bad by any means, but he was just one small fish in a large talented receiving corps.

His release seems to bring more clarity to the wide receiver outlook. Deion Branch and Jabar Gaffney, who were considered on the bubble players along with Stallworth, may be breathing easier after the news today.

Bulman's release was less of a surprise, as he was a bit of a long shot from the start. The former Boston College product signed with the Patriots back in July to add depth to the defensive line. He was signed by the Cardinals back in 2005 as an UDFA, but had his best NFL years with the Houston Texans.

With Stallworth and Bulman gone, the Patriots will need to cut five more players by this afternoon. Stay tuned.