Austin Collie Released by Patriots for Second Time This Season As Team Regains Health at Wide Receiver

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots are down to 51 players on the active roster.

The Patriots released wide receiver Austin Collie on Friday. This is the second time the fifth-year pro has been cut by New England this season.

Collie has suited up in seven games this season for the Patriots. He has six catches for 63 yards.

Collie was cut earlier in the year after suffering a knee injury in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He got re-signed prior to Week 14 when rookie wide receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins got injured in consecutive weeks.

Dobson returned last week after missing three weeks with a foot injury. Thompkins has missed three weeks with a hip ailment. He appears close to coming back. Collie’s release could be a good sign for his status on Sunday.

The Patriots released cornerback Marquice Cole on Thursday. They now have two open roster spots.

The team signed rookie running back Sam McGuffie to the practice squad on Friday after releasing rookie running back Cierre Wood. Multiple members of the practice squad have spent time on the active roster this season. Cornerback Justin Green, safety Kanorris Davis, defensive tackle Marcus Forston and linebacker Ja’Gared Davis have all been active for New England this year.

Have a question for Doug Kyed? Send it to him via Twitter at @DougKyedNESN or send it here.