Patriots release linebacker Harvey Langi in procedural move as wideout N’Keal Harry nears injured reserve

The New England Patriots released linebacker Harvey Langi on Wednesday in a procedural move first reported by Mike Reiss of ESPN.

The 28-year-old BYU product, who isn’t subject to waivers as a vested veteran, is expected to rejoin New England after the 53-man roster goes through its initial September steps.

One of those steps is the placement of wide receiver N’Keal Harry on injured reserve, which did not make the transaction wire but is set to be made official on Thursday, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo. The 2019 first-round pick out of Arizona State suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason versus the Philadelphia Eagles and will be eligible to return after at least three weeks of the regular season pass.

“I thought N’Keal had a good camp, and I’m glad we have him,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said of Harry in advance of the NFL’s roster deadline. “I think he’ll make a big contribution to our team. We’ll see how it all goes, and from a time standpoint of when he’ll be able to get back on the field, but I know he’s working hard and is making progress with his rehab. So we’ll just keep monitoring that and see how it goes.”

The Patriots were awarded former Navy quarterback-turned-receiver Malcolm Perry off waivers from the Miami Dolphins earlier Wednesday. The release of Langi, a 2017 undrafted arrival who re-signed in May, opens an immediate roster spot.

Langi spent the last three campaigns with the New York Jets. He recorded 18 tackles, one sack and one interception during the preseason.