According to ESPN's Adam Schefter (who has to be the busiest man in the world at this point), the Patriots have severed ties with outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter. Straight from the man himself:
Patriots also cut LB Bobby Carpenter.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2012
Carpenter, 29, came to the Patriots after being cut by the Detroit Lions earlier in the offseason. He drew significant praise from many for his hard work in training camp with the Patriots. He was in on several special teams units, and was utilized as the team's fourth linebacker throughout the preseason.
This move for me has to rank up there with the Hoyer, Branch and Gaffney cuts. I'm not the one to question Bill Belichick, but this cut makes absolutely no sense in terms of what he can do for this team. I have to think that there will be a roster addition coming soon, most likely a linebacker.
With Carpenter gone, the Patriots have five total linebackers on their roster: Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, Tracy White (injured), Mike Rivera.
Is there a trade forthcoming? Some sneaky waiver pickup? Was Carpenter secretly injured like Jonathan Fanane?
Stay Tuned.