With the New England Patriots cutting their active roster from 90 to 53 players, some of the team's offseason standouts had to be released. Among them were rookies Austin Carr and Kenny Moore II, who were put on waivers as part of yesterday's cutdowns.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, it appears that neither will return:
Austin Carr was claimed by the Saints, per source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 3, 2017
A change: Cornerback Kenny Moore was claimed by the Colts. He will not be signing to the Patriots' practice squad.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 3, 2017
Ever since joining the Patriots as undrafted rookies following the draft, Carr and Moore impressed as competitive players with a knack for getting the football. Carr, for example, led New England in receptions, yards and touchdowns during the preseason. However, following the acquisition of Phillip Dorsett, the 23-year old became expendable.
Moore also had a successful training camp and preseason, registering nine tackles, one of which for loss of yardage, and a pass breakup during four exhibition games. However, after the Patriots acquired fellow cornerback Johnson Bademosi via trade, Moore was released.
Both Carr and Moore, however, were expected to become priority practice squad additions for New England. Unfortunately for the team, it turns out that the Saints and Colts viewed them in the same light.