Jabar Gaffney headlines roster trim down as surprise cut

The Patriots wide receiver group just got a lot clearer heading into the season. Jabar Gaffney was a surprise cut today, who will join WR Donte Stallworth, DL Tim Bulman, DL Gerard Warren, and CB Ross Ventrone.

Gaffney was not expected to be cut, in fact many had him pegged for a spot on the final roster. While it seemed like he might have had a lock on the roster, he was injured prior to the Patriots second preseason game. In that game, Deion Branch got significant playing time and hauled in three passes for fifty one yards. The performance did enough to impress media members, and apparently the coaching staff, that he would take over the role as the third receiver.

The Patriots also placed safeties Will Allen and Josh Barret as well as fullback Spencer Larsen on injured reserve. The latter two were reported as released earlier.

Jake Ballard and Myron Pryor, as expected, were placed on the reserve/PUP list.

All info from @MikeReiss.