Patriots cut Justin Jones, Asa Watson and Stephen Houston, sign veteran Ben Hartsock
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| Despite his size, Jones never caught on in New England |
Unfortunately, his play on the field didn't match the hype, and Jones was amongst three undrafted rookies released by the team today. Joining him are fellow tight end prospect Asa Watson (Ben's cousin) and running back Stephen Houston.
Jones and Watson combined to play every snap of the Pats preseason opener against Washington, with neither player managing to do much to distinguish themselves. Despite that, they still had a better debut than Houston, who lost a fourth quarter fumble and didn't see the field for another snap.
The Pats wasted no time in filling those three roster spots, signing a trio of tight ends headlined by veteran Ben Hartsock. A third round pick in 2004, Hartsock has played for the Colts, Jets, Titans, Falcons and Panthers during his ten year career. The 34 year old is known as an above average blocker, although he doesn't offer much as a receiving threat.
Also added to the tight end mix were veteran Steve Maneri and undrafted rookie Terrence Miller. The 6'6", 290 pound Maneri is strictly a blocker who has played both offensive tackle and tight end in the league. He actually spent most of 2010 on the Patriots practice squad, only to be claimed by the Chiefs the next year after not surviving the final 53 man cutdown. He appeared in four games with the Bears last season.
Miller on the other hand is a smaller (6'4", 235), more athletic option at the position. He was released by the Jets in June after being signed as an undrafted free agent this spring.
The signings make it clear that the Patriots, at least at this juncture, aren't interested in adding either Dustin Keller or Jermichael Finley to the mix at tight end. Most likely, the team still isn't comfortable with the medical condition of Keller's knee or Finley's neck.
