UPDATE (4:52 p.m. ET): The Patriots confirmed they had released linebacker L.J. Fort and also cut tight end Logan Stokes for the second time this summer. Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Chris Martin was claimed off waivers, too, leaving the Patriots’ roster at 89 players.
ORIGINAL STORY: The New England Patriots opened a spot on their 90-man roster Tuesday.
The Patriots released veteran linebacker L.J. Fort, a source told NESN.com. The release was first reported by The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
Fort played 17 snaps at middle linebacker for the Patriots on Thursday night in their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. He was signed Aug. 4 and was absent for training camp practice Tuesday.
Fort previously played for the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals, piling up 20 tackles and one sack in two seasons.
The Patriots also reportedly traded guard Jordan Devey to the San Francisco 49ers for tight end Asante Cleveland, so they have one open spot on their 90-man roster as they travel to West Virginia for joint practices with the New Orleans Saints.
Fort’s release leaves the Patriots with Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo, Jonathan Freeny, James Morris, Cameron Gordon and Darius Fleming as traditional linebacker depth. They also have Eric Martin, Dekoda Watson and Rufus Johnson as hybrid linebacker/defensive ends.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
