Patriots Waive TE Jake Bequette and OT Mark Asper, Cut DT Antonio Johnson

With the first wave of roster cutdowns coming in five days, the New England Patriots continue to trim their roster. After releasing linebacker Cameron Gordon earlier today, the team made three more transactions: tight end Jake Bequette and offensive tackle Mark Asper have been waived, while veteran defensive tackle Antonio Johnson has been cut by the team.

Bequette, the former defensive end who was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, was waived with an injury designation according to the NFL's transaction wire (and reported by Mark Daniels). If the 26-year old does not get claimed on waivers by another team, he will be placed on the team's injured reserve list (the same kind of process wide receiver Brian Tyms went through a couple of days ago).

The 29-year old Asper, who was signed by the Patriots on August 6 and appeared in both of the team's preseason games, also has to clear waivers. If he does, he officially becomes a free agent. Johnson, on the other hand, becomes a free agent right away due to the fact that the 30-year old has spent eight years in the NFL.

With the moves, New England's roster now stands at 84. Teams need to cut their rosters to 75 by September 1.