Blink and you missed the Greg Salas era in New England.
Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com reports that the team has released the wide receiver after just two games. Salas didn’t play in either of those games, which should give some idea about why he’s no longer going to be part of the mix at wide receiver for the Pats. The 2011 fourth-round pick was acquired in a trade with the Rams on Sept. 1 that cost the Patriots a 2015 conditional draft choice.
Per Yates, Salas isn’t the only player leaving the team. Running back Lex Hilliard and linebacker Mike Rivera have also reportedly been given pink slips on Tuesday. Hilliard and Rivera played on special teams for the Patriots in the first two weeks with Hilliard also seeing a little action with the offense.
Tight end Kellen Winslow accounts for one of the newly opened roster spots and the team worked out seven players on Tuesday. Wide receiver Brian Robiskie, recently sent packing by the Jaguars, and former Eagles defensive tackle Antonio Dixon were among the players trying to land a job in New England.
UPDATE 6:32 p.m. ET: They’ve reportedly filled one of those open spots by bringing wide receiver Deion Branch back for a third tour of duty with the team.