If the New England Patriots need help at wide receiver, they’ll get it from someone other than Kenbrell Thompkins.
The Patriots waived Thompkins on Saturday and promoted linebacker Ja’Gared Davis from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, per the NFL transaction wire.
Thompkins was active for just two of New England’s first four games this season and was inactive for Monday night’s 41-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old caught five passes for 37 yards in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins but didn’t play in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings and had only one reception for 16 yards against the Oakland Raiders in Week 3.
Thompkins showed flashes of promise for the Patriots after the team signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2013. Thompkins caught six passes for 127 yards and one touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons last season and hauled in a game-winning TD pass from Tom Brady against the New Orleans Saints.
Thompkins’ release comes just days after a report surfaced that fellow wide receiver Aaron Dobson was benched for arguing with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Head coach Bill Belichick refuted the report via a statement Friday, and Dobson also denied the incident.
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