The Patriots have announced their final cuts, several of which already had been reported. (Check the 53-man roster tracker for the full list.)
While the names that previously hadn’t made their way to the public eye contain no surprises, the Pats have included an eyebrow-raiser in their latest press release: Veteran safety Adrian Wilson has been placed on injured reserve.
Other moves that hadn’t previously been disclosed were the release of offensive lineman Chris McDonald, linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, and defensive back Stephon Morris.
A 12-year veteran who had spent his entire career in Arizona, Wilson appeared on the depth chart as a second-string safety. He reportedly had been battling a hamstring injury. He nevertheless played in the team’s second, third, and fourth preseason games.
It doesn’t mean Wilson will get his entire $1 million base salary. He could be released with an injury settlement -- or without one, if/when the Pats conclude he’s healthy. A grievance then could follow.
It also doesn’t mean Wilson is sufficiently injured to be placed on injured reserve. But it wouldn’t be the first time a player who wasn’t injured enough to be on I.R. received that designation.