Josh Boyce Among Cuts As Patriots Slice Roster To 53 Players
FOXBORO (CBS) – The New England Patriots trimmed their roster to 53 players to get down to size by the league deadline, with no major surprises among the transactions.
Among the moves were 19 players who were released, while rookie linebacker James Morris was placed on injured reserve.
With the preseason over, NFL teams were required to shrink rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Backup quarterback Ryan Mallet was not among the players cut prior to the deadline. The Patriots appear primed to enter the regular season with three quarterbacks on the roster.
Wide receiver Brian Tyms, who excelled in the preseason with 11 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns, was not cut and will reportedly stay on the team's roster through his four-game suspension.
Second-year wide receiver Josh Boyce was one of six veteran players cut along with long snapper Danny Aiken, linebacker Steve Beauharnais, defensive lineman Jake Bequette, tight end Steve Maneri and defensive lineman Jerel Worthy.
Boyce, 23, was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. He played in nine games last season, catching nine passes for 121 yards. This preseason, he caught seven passes for 87 yards.
Offensive lineman Braxston Cave, linebacker Ja'Gared Davis, safety Kanorris Davis, running back Jonas Gray and defensive back Daxton Swanson were cut as well.
Also among the roster moves were draft picks Jon Halapio, an offensive lineman, and wide receiver Jeremy Gallon.
Running back Roy Finch, safety Shamiel Gary, defensive lineman Eathyn Manumaleuna, offensive lineman Chris Martin, linebacker Taylor McCuller and defensive lineman L.T. Tuipulotu were also cut on Saturday.
The regular season begins for the Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. on the road against Miami.
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