Patriots Release 5 as Roster Cuts Begin

In anticipation of tomorrow's mandatory cutdown, the New England Patriots have made some early moves today, releasing five players while signing two more.

First, the cuts. The Pats have parted ways with WR Kamar Aiken, rookie CB Brandon Jones , sophomore CB LeQuan Lewis, rookie FS Mike Zupancic, and nine-year journeyman Niko Koutouvides. Of the players released, none come as a huge surprise, although some had Koutovides sticking around for at least another round of cuts because of his veteran presence and special teams value.

New England also placed D-lineman Gory Grissom and tackle Mark Zusevics on IR and moved Armond Armstead and rookie WR Mark Harrison to the reserve/non-football injury list.

Not a whole lot of shockers here, although many had hopes for Grissom and Armstead making some early contributions. The Patriots defensive line still looks thin, so look for them to perhaps bring in some roster castoffs as more and more players receive their walking papers over the next few days.

The Patriots also re-signed rookies Stephon Morris and DL Scott Vallone.