Patriots Reportedly Moving On From Jonas Gray
FOXBORO (CBS) – The Patriots are forced to slice their roster to 53 players on Saturday. In finalizing their roster, the team has already made one surprising cut.
Running back Jonas Gray, who was projected to be in the backfield on opening night with LeGarrette Blount suspended, has been released, according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported that if the team has cut Gray, they have not yet informed him.
A league source told ESPN reporter Field Yates that the team is planning to "move on" from Gray, but adds that it's possible the running back could be traded.
Multiple reports indicate that cornerback Robert McClain, who was competing for a slot cornerback job, has also been cut.
Gray, McClain and wide receivers Brandon LaFell and Reggie Wayne were missing during the portion of practice open to the media on Saturday.
LaFell has been recovering from a foot injury in the offseason and is on the physically unable to perform list.
It is unclear why the recently signed Wayne was not on the field.
The team's roster must be solidified at 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday.
During his press conference in the morning, head coach Bill Belichick talked about the difficulties of letting players go.
"It's difficult to tell players after they've worked as hard as they have for such an extended period of time that there's not a spot for them on the team," Belichick said. "But unfortunately that's the rules of the road, so we all have to adhere to them."
