The Patriots defense suffered with defensive tackle Tommy Kelly out of the lineup last year after a torn ACL, but it looks like his return to the team’s lineup will be a short one.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that Kelly will be one of the players dropped from the roster in New England as the Patriots make their way to 75 players and Kelly confirmed it a short time later. Kelly played 50 snaps for the team over their first three preseason games and held up fairly well, leaving him without an explanation for why the team
“I don’t know but I enjoy my time and my teammates. I have no problem moving along with my career,” Kelly said, via Tom Curran of CSNNE.com.
Schefter also reports that longtime Saints defensive end Will Smith and linebacker James Anderson are also former Patriots. Smith was also trying to return from a torn ACL, but didn’t make much of an impact as a pass rusher this summer. Anderson led the Bears in tackles as a 16-game starter last year and should probably find some interest around the league now that he’s back on the open market.