Patriots release running back Robert Martin only one day after signing him

The New England Patriots made a series of transactions on Sunday, and one of them saw the team sign free agent running back Robert Martin. While the Patriots already had considerable depth at the position, the 23-year-old was added with the expectation that he would see plenty of action during the fourth preseason game on Thursday — the one that starters and other roster locks usually sit out — before his inevitable release.

While his release did come, it came a lot sooner than originally anticipated: just one day after signing him, New England has waived Martin again. The second-year man, who started his career as an undrafted rookie signing by the New York Giants and spent his entire first year in the NFL on the team’s practice squad, will now be subject to the waiver wire. He will either get claimed by another team or more likely join the open market again.

With Martin gone again, the Patriots could bring a player like rookie James Williams on board to serve as a depth running back option for Thursday’s game. Williams, of course, was worked out by the team over the weekend but ultimately not signed. Martin’s release, however, could change his outlook. That being said, no player signed at this point should be expected to make New England’s roster or even its practice squad.