Patriots release tight end Stephen Anderson from practice squad, reportedly host two free agents

The New England Patriots’ practice squad no longer includes Stephen Anderson.

The 26-year-old tight end was released Monday, New England announced, after a season opener that saw Ryan Izzo check in for 45 snaps at the position while a questionable Matt LaCosse stood on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Anderson originally entered the league with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2016. The California product would appear in 28 games across two regular seasons with Houston, logging 36 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns before signing to New England’s practice squad last September.

A promotion to the Patriots’ active roster followed during January’s playoff run, and Anderson was retained following Labor Day weekend’s roster cuts as an part of the initial 10-man scout team.

A spot now opens there.

The Patriots also hosted a pair of free agents on Monday. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, veteran offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse and rookie defensive back Nate Brooks were in for workouts.

Newhouse, 30, has started 72 games and played in 114 since arriving out of TCU as a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. His visit comes a day after Patriots starting right tackle Marcus Cannon suffered a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brooks, 23, signed with the Arizona Cardinals following rookie minicamp this spring. The undrafted corner was a four-year starter at North Texas and recorded a team-high six interceptions as a senior. Brooks notched an interception and a forced fumble in his final preseason audition with Arizona.