The Patriots released wide receiver K.J. Osborn and filled his roster spot by activating offensive lineman Cole Strange off the physically unable to perform list.
Osborn, who has been a healthy scratch the past three games, signed a one-year, $4 million contract in March, with hopes of stepping up as a reliable, veteran presence in New England’s young receiver room.
But his role never panned out. Osborn started the first four games, as the passing attack initially struggled with quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Once the Patriots made the change to rookie Drake Maye, the offense leaned more on the trio of DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne, along with tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.