Patriots Reportedly Release Offensive Player Who Recently Started

Nick Leverett is out, Ben Brown is in

The New England Patriots reportedly are releasing an offensive lineman who served as a starter just two weeks ago.

New England is releasing Nick Leverett, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. Leverett started at center against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 but did not see the field against the Houston Texans on Sunday. He was on the injury report with an ankle injury entering the contest.

Ben Brown started at center against Houston and played 100% of snaps despite arriving in New England on Thursday. The 26-year-old Brown spent the first five weeks on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo labeled Brown, who did not allow a pressure on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, as New England’s best offensive lineman against the Texans.

The release of Leverett comes after what’s likely to be a season-ending injury to captain and starting center David Andrews.