Patriots Waive OT Barker, Promote WR Harper

The New England Patriots waived offensive tackle Chris Barker this afternoon, as well as promoted WR Chris Harper from the practice squad.

While neither of these moves are very flashy, we can take it as a good sign that the injured offensive linemen are getting closer to returning; if the Patriots really needed the depth along the line, they wouldn't have waived Barker. So here's hoping.

As for Harper, you might remember him from the 2015 preseason, where he actually put up a decent showing - enough to make the final 53 man roster and actually play in the first game of the season against the Steelers. He was cut shortly thereafter and signed to the practice squad. He isn't the biggest guy at 5'11", 175 pounds, but he has shown he's capable of being productive when given the opportunity. Look for Harper to be one of a number of bodies the Patriots use to try and replace Julian Edelman as he recovers from surgery.

Most importantly, though, let's get those linemen back on the field.