2021 NFL roster cuts: Kristian Wilkerson, Myles Bryant among initial wave of reported Patriots departures

The New England Patriots worked closer to 53 on Tuesday morning, waiving a series of players that included wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson and defensive back Myles Bryant, as first reported by CLNS Media’s Evan Lazar and Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed.

Wilkerson, 24, spent the 2020 season on New England’s practice squad after originally signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent last spring. The Southeast Missouri State record-setting receiver had been elevated to appear in one game, and caught 13 passes for 147 yards on 15 targets during the preseason.

Bryant, 23, began last September on the Patriots’ practice squad after arriving as a rookie free agent. The Washington product would be signed to the active roster 10 days later, and remained to play in 11 contests while working both at cornerback and safety. He notched nine tackles and one interception over that span.

Wide receiver Isaiah Zuber, tight end Matt LaCosse, offensive linemen Will Sherman and Alex Redmond, defensive lineman Montravius Adams, as well as cornerbacks D’Angelo Ross and Dee Virgin have also been let go by the Patriots, according to multiple reports.

New England drafted Sherman in the sixth round out of Colorado at pick No. 197 overall in May. His exit was first reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN. And Ross, a New Mexico product who spent 2019 on injured reserve and 2020 on the practice squad, started at nickelback in the preseason finale and intercepted a pass at safety. His waiving was first detailed by Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.

On Monday, New England released veteran safety Adrian Colbert, waived rookie wide receiver Tre Nixon along with second-year defensive lineman Bill Murray, and acquired offensive lineman Yasir Durant via trade.

The NFL roster deadline passes at 4 p.m. ET.