The NFL season is still three months away, but the talk surrounding Chad Ochocinco and his role — or lack thereof — with the Patriots is already up in the air.
The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots wide receiver is still on the team after questions had been raised at practice Thursday about this status. Ochocinco wasn't on the field for organized team activities, which were open to the media Thursday.
According to the Herald, Ochocinco showed up but left Gillette Stadium 10-15 minutes after showing up. ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reported shortly thereafter that Ochocinco left the stadium because he had an eye doctor appointment to go to.
Also, for what it's worth, Ochocinco also took the mention of being a Patriots receiver out of his Twitter bio. That tidbit, of course, is far from being any sort of proof that Ochocinco is on his way out, but it is worth noting.
UPDATE: Chad Ochocinco has reportedly been released by the Patriots.
