The Patriots have made a long sequence of roster moves, following their release of rookie cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc and wide receivers Aaron Dobson and DeAndre Carter.
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
Patriots have informed rookie LB Kamu Grugier-Hill of their intention to waive him. A surprise of sorts, as he was a core special teamer.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 3, 2016
The Patriots drafted KGH in the 6th round of this draft and he was expected to make the team as a special teamer. Unfortunately, he was outplayed on defense by rookie Elandon Roberts who could still sneak on the roster. It’s possible the Patriots extension of Jonathan Freeny is related to this release.
LB Kevin Snyder
Patriots LB Kevin Snyder will be waived/injured today, per source. Hurt his hand against the Giants.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 3, 2016
Snyder had hand surgery yesterday, so he'll likely land on injured reserve. https://t.co/s1bcBnpVpS
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 3, 2016
Snyder was a long shot, but we wish him best of luck in his recovery.
WR Keshawn Martin, DT Markus Kuhn, and RB Tyler Gaffney
WR Keshawn Martin, DT Maruks Kuhn and RB Tyler Gaffney have been released by the Patriots, per @tomecurran. https://t.co/eVjqNdCEal
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 3, 2016
No wide receiver is safe as the Patriots have started to call other teams to see if any other players are available for a trade. Kuhn’s level of play declined in the past two weeks, while rookie Vincent Valentine and sophomore Anthony Johnson starred. Gaffney hurt his foot and it appears like D.J. Foster will have the final running back role.
DT Woodrow Hamilton
The Patriots released DT Woodrow Hamilton, per source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 3, 2016
Confirming report via @DougKyed that Pats have released DL Woodrow Hamilton. Hope is to get him through to practice squad.
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) September 3, 2016
Hamilton had an uphill battle, but he could continue to grow on the practice squad.
RB Joey Iosefa
The Patriots released RB/FB Joey Iosefa, per source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 3, 2016
The big back never really had a chance and could possibly return to the practice squad, where he spent much of last season.
OG Jon Halapio
I've been released by the @Patriots , but I want to thank Coach Belichick & the entire organization for believing in me. More to follow...
— Jon Halapio (@Jhalapio67) September 3, 2016
Belief is Pats will try and get Jon Halapio through to PS.
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) September 3, 2016
Halapio was a mid-offseason signing and the coaching staff thinks he’s a player worth keeping.
CB Darryl Roberts and WR Chris Harper
Source: the Patriots have waived CB Daryl Roberts and WR Chris Harper.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2016
The prior release of LeBlanc and this release of Roberts means that Jonathan Jones has the inside edge at the final cornerback spot. Harper is a likely practice squad option.
S Vinnie Sunseri
Vinnie Sunseri has been cut, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 3, 2016
Sunseri didn’t have a chance of making the roster at a deep safety position, but he could stick around on the practice squad.
OG Chris Barker
Chris Barker has been cut, per source. Practice squad candidate.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 3, 2016
Barker’s release is a good sign for rookie OG Ted Karras who could make the team as a depth option on the interior of the line.
WR Devin Lucien
Patriots have informed rookie WR Devin Lucien of their intention to waive him.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 3, 2016
Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and Danny Amendola are the only remaining wide receivers on the roster, not including Matthew Slater. Amendola has not yet been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, so there’s a chance he’s close to a return. This also bodes well for the Patriots tight end depth.
ED Rufus Johnson
DE Rufus Johnson has been informed that he isn't part of the Patriots' initial 53-man roster.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 3, 2016
The Patriots are opting to retain 2015 3rd round pick Geneo Grissom in place of Johnson.
New England has to make 3 more moves. Rookie tight end Bryce Williams, rookie linebacker Elandon Roberts, defensive tackle Joe Vellano, tackle Cameron Fleming, and rookie guard Ted Karras are all possible options, as is placing Amendola on the PUP list.