Report: Patriots Release Defensive Lineman Before Sunday’s Game

The New England Patriots made a big move right before their game against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Bill Belichick is definitely someone who knows how to pull the most shocking move at the best time. Did he just do that again? ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots decided to release a defensive lineman.

New England claimed Isaiah Mack on waivers from the Tennessee Titans earlier this season. He was supposed to step in as a replacement for injured Patriots players. However, the Patriots decided to waive him.

Linebacker Shilique Calhoun came off injured reserve Saturday, and the team had to make room for him. That’s why Mack had to go.

Mack is an undrafted player out of Chattanooga. He was the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. The young player has yet to find a good home in the NFL. He will definitely find his team in the near future. Mack is just 24 and he has great skill set.

Patriots release defensive lineman for a reason

This move can be interpreted in so many ways. One of the theories suggests that veteran wideout Julian Edelman will stay on injured reserve. Edelman won’t join his teammates in the game against the Miami Dolphins.

The veteran will miss his eight game due to the knee surgery he had in October. The Patriots placed him on injured reserve on Oct.31 and many hoped to see him back on the field at some point of the season. But, he won’t play Sunday.

The Patriots will play without Edelman, and they will have to rely on Damiere Byrd, N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers. Damien Harris is also out for the game, and New England will play without several key contributors.

Winning the game against Miami is really important. It will give the Patriots a 7-7 record. Their chances to make the playoffs are still slight. But, head coach Bill Belichick can do this and much more. His players can do the impossible. N’Keal Harry found his tune. Will this motivate players to do better on Sunday?