Yesterday, reports surfaced that the New England Patriots were expected to add two players to their practice squad: tight end Kennard Backman and running back D.J. Foster. Backman’s signing was later confirmed by the NFL’s daily transaction wire, while Foster cleared waivers and has been added to the team today.
However, the two transactions put the Patriots above the 10-man practice squad limit. Consequently, one player needed to go – and it turned out to be one that has experience when it comes to being moved off New England’s practice squad: The team announced today that it has released fullback Glenn Gronkowski to make room for Foster.
Today’s transaction marks the third time that the team has released Rob Gronkowski’s little brother from its practice squad. After going undrafted and spending his first summer in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, "Baby Gronk" joined New England on October 1. On the 12th he was waived before being re-signed five days later. His second stint lasted until November 7, when he was let go again. On November 16, he returned.
Now, the 23-year old’s third stint on the Patriots practice squad has come to an end. However, it would not be a surprise to see Gronkowski – the front-runner for this year’s "Ross Ventrone memorial award" – return once again.