After the second game of the preseason, the New England Patriots announced the release of three players. The team cut ties with DE Jonathan Fanene, OT Kyle Hix and K Chris Koepplin.
Fanene, an 8-year veteran who signed as free agent in the off season, was a surprise. The 30-year old signed a three year contract and got nearly a $4 million signing bonus only to develop a knee injury that kept him from practicing the last month. Swelling had been settling into the joints, similar to arthritis, making it difficult for him to be ready to play.
Head coach Bill Belichick said of Fanene “it just didn’t work out”. Fanene, was expected to help along the defensive line with his ability to play anywhere along the line and in both pass and run situations.
Fanene’s contract was terminated and he is a free agent.
Hix, who spent last year on the IR, was signed as a rookie free agent out of the University of Texas in July of 2011. He was expected to compete for a possible practice squad spot this season but another injuury kept him off the field. He was released and after clearing waivers was reverted back to the teams IR list.
Koepplin, a kicker from UMass, was brought in for his second go around with the club. In 2011 he was in camp while regular kicker Stephen Gostkowski recovered from a torn thigh muscle suffered during the 2010 season. This year he was brought back to give the team a second kicker in camp and he was impressive both in camp and the little he got to kick in games but with Gostkowski ahead of him he had no roster spot. It is expected that some team will pick him up as a place kicker.
By my count that brings the team roster down to 83 players with a major cut coming shortly after the third preseason game.
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photo credit: espn.com
