The New England Patriots have released receiver Bruce Ellington, the team announced on Wednesday. He was waived with an injury designation.
The Patriots signed Ellington on March 15. It’s a surprise that the team would part ways with him so quickly. Though, the injury designation provides some context.
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound receiver has played five NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions. He seemed like he could be in the mix to contribute as a returner and slot receiver in New England. However, his short-lived stint with the Patriots came to close before he got the chance to catch a pass from Tom Brady.
Releasing Ellington leaves a spot open on the Patriots’ 90-man roster. That spot could get filled by tackle Jared Veldheer, who plans to sign with New England, or free agent tight end Benjamin Watson, who is visiting the Patriots on Thursday.
