Patriots Cut Six, Including Sixth-Round Pick Jemea Thomas, Ben Bass

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots already cut ties with a 2014 sixth-round draft pick, cornerback Jemea Thomas.

The Patriots whittled down their roster to 75 players Tuesday by waiving Thomas, defensive lineman Ben Bass, defensive back Travis Hawkins, wide receivers Derrick Johnson and Wilson Van Hooser and linebacker Deontae Skinner. The Patriots also placed running back Tyler Gaffney and linebacker Cameron Gordon on injured reserve.

Hawkins, Johnson, Van Hooser and Skinner were signed as undrafted free agents in May. The Patriots traded cornerback Justin Green to the Dallas Cowboys for Bass three weeks ago.

The Patriots play the New York Giants on Thursday night in their final preseason game of 2014. The Patriots must cut down their roster to 53 players Saturday by 4 p.m.