Patriots release sidelined WR Kenny Britt
By admin - 2019-01-09 01:00:38

The New England Patriots have released veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt this week,

6-foot-3, 230-pound Britt had not taken part in a full practice in training camp after injuring a hamstring in June’s mandatory minicamp.

“With Julian Edelman set to serve a four-game NFL suspension to open the season, and the Patriots having already released receivers Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell earlier in camp, Britt was still projected to be in the mix for a roster spot,” ESPN reports.

After Edelman, the Patriots have Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett atop the depth chart, with Cordarrelle Patterson expected to land a spot as a kickoff returner who could potentially contribute at receiver as well.

Notably, the Patriots have also signed veteran Eric Decker to a one-year deal on August 3rd, despite his challenges with dropping passes since joining the Patriots.

Riley McCarron, Devin Lucien, Braxton Berrios, Paul Turner and special-teams captain Matthew Slater round out the depth chart.

Britt, who has played with the Titans (2009-13), Rams (2014-16) and Browns (2017), initially signed with the Patriots in December. He had appeared in the final three regular-season games as a reserve, with two catches for 23 yards. Britt was a healthy scratch for all three playoff games.

Britt injured the hamstring shortly after making notably positive strides in building a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady. ,

Prior to news of Britt’s release becoming public, Edelman had expressed optimism in regard to the receiver corps.

“We’ve got a lot of guys making a lot of plays, a lot of guys working hard, and a lot of guys improving. Honestly, that’s all you can ask for,” Edelman said.

“We’ve got a group in there that’s very capable — a lot of explosions, a lot of quickness, a lot of experience. I’m not a talent evaluator, not a coach, not a GM; you’d have to ask those guys about that. But I’m excited about their opportunity, and I’m definitely confident in them.”