The New England Patriots work in mysterious ways. Last week, the team issued a press release that it has released running back Donald Brown, cornerback E.J. Biggers and defensive tackle Frank Kearse. Now, Kearse is back with the team – on the injured reserve list.
According to patscap.com’s Miguel Benzan, the veteran defensive tackle was placed on the list today:
Frank Kearse was placed on IR today according to a good source. Thought that he was released on 8/23. Will have to check what happened
The move is noteworthy because there were no prior reports that the Patriots re-signed and/or placed Kearse on injured reserve in the immediate aftermath of his release. Also, given his status as a five-year veteran, he would not have had to pass through the waiver wire, which eliminates the possibility of the team waiving him with an injury designation.
Be it as it may, Kearse’s season apparently ends before it even really began. The 27-year old was originally signed by New England as an unrestricted free agent in March and, given the team’s depth at defensive tackle, a longshot to make the team. He will enter free agency again next offseason.