The New England Patriots have to get their roster cut down to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
They got a head start with that task Wednesday.
The Patriots announced they released eight-year veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell, who had just signed with New England on Aug 1.
It seemed like the 6-foot-3, 328-pound Purcell had an outside chance to grab a roster spot, especially with Christian Barmore sidelined indefinitely due to blood clots. But Purcell became the odd-man out as second-year defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. emerged following a standout preseason.