UPDATE (5 p.m. ET): A.J. Derby went unclaimed and was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
ORIGINAL STORY: The New England Patriots used 11 selections in the 2015 NFL Draft, so it was unlikely all of those rookies were going to make the team’s 53-man roster.
The Patriots already waived one of those picks, sixth-round tight end A.J. Derby, on Tuesday. Derby missed the Patriots spring practices and only was present for the team’s first training camp session.
Derby was waived/injured, meaning he will revert to injured reserve is he clears waivers. Derby played quarterback for Iowa, Coffeyville Community College and Arkansas before switching to tight end in his senior season. He caught 22 passes for 303 yards with three touchdowns with the Razorbacks.
Derby’s release leaves the Patriots with just Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Jake Bequette and Jimmay Mundine at tight end.
The Patriots also placed offensive lineman Kevin Hughes on injured reserve Tuesday. He was waived/injured Monday and cleared waivers.
The Patriots placed defensive tackle Vince Taylor on reserve/physically unable to perform. He cleared waivers after being cut with a “failed physical” designation. Neither Hughes nor Taylor will count against the Patriots’ 90-man roster.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
