The New England Patriots announced Tuesday that defensive lineman Frank Kearse was released, but that actually wasn’t the case.
Kearse instead was placed on injured reserve by the Patriots on Saturday, according to the NFL transaction wire. Since Kearse is a vested veteran, he didn’t have to be waived before being placed on IR.
Kearse missed practice time during training camp with an undisclosed injury, but he returned for the second week of the preseason.
Kearse was signed as a free agent March 11.
Kearse originally was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Alabama A&M product also has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.
Kearse joins tight end Michael Williams, who tore his ACL in the spring, on the Patriots’ injured reserve.
The Patriots’ roster currently stands at 82 players. They must cut down to 75 by Tuesday.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
