When the New England Patriots acquired Mohamed Sanu via trade from the Atlanta Falcons, the follow-up move to create an open roster spot for the wide receiver was releasing tight end Eric Tomlinson — or so the team initially announced. However, Tomlinson was not cut on that day and the team instead made another somewhat surprising move: the Patriots placed Josh Gordon on injured reserve with a minor injury designation.
This designation was crucial to the transaction, as it forced the team to part ways with the 28-year-old as soon as he was healthy enough to play again.