Demaryius Thomas was one of the stars of New England’s preseason finale, but he won’t be on the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster.
The Patriots released the veteran wide receiver ahead of Saturday’s roster cutdown deadline, according to reports from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Field Yates.
Source: The #Patriots are releasing WR Demaryius Thomas, who flashed in the fourth preseason game. He’s still working his way back to health.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2019
After tearing his Achilles last December and spending all of training camp on the physically unable to perform list, Thomas impressed in his Patriots preseason debut last Thursday, catching seven passes on eight targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the New York Giants.
Thomas might not be gone for long, however.
Since the 31-year-old is a vested veteran, he does not need to clear waivers before signing with another team. That also means the Patriots potentially could re-sign the former Denver Broncos star after finalizing their initial roster.
That seems to be the team’s intention, according to reports from NFL Media’s Mike Giardi and Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.
Don't rule out a quick return to the #Patriots for the recently cut Demaryius Thomas. Sources indicating that's desire of both sides.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 31, 2019
It's very likely the Patriots will use Demaryius Thomas' roster spot to put someone on the returnable IR, then bring him back as soon as Monday. He doesn't have to clear waivers. Reading the tea leaves, seems like what's in the works
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) August 31, 2019
One reason for doing this would be to free up a roster spot in order to place another player on injured reserve with the intention of activating him during the season. If a player is placed on IR before final cuts, he is ineligible to return during the season. Players placed on IR after cutdown day can be activated after eight games.
