New England Patriots waive receiver Josh Boyce
The New England Patriots have waived second-year wideout Josh Boyce, according to ESPN.com‘s Mike Reiss.
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Boyce had contributed on both special teams and in the passing offense in 2013. This season, he wasn’t projected to do either. The 2013 fourth-round selection isn’t exactly another one of Bill Belichick’s wide receiver draft busts — ala Chad Jackson and company. He will enter waivers largely due to the team’s crowded positional group.
If no other team claims him, the Patriots could put him on the practice squad. It’s hard to know, however, if the former TCU standout is desired by other teams. If no one claims him by Saturday, then it would make sense that the Patriots claim him and stash him on the practice squad.
Aaron Dobson, Boyce and undrafted free agent Kenbrell Thompkins entered the NFL at the same time. Brandon LaFell was added this offseason. Even early in the offseason, it was expected that one of the four receivers would not make the team. Boyce struggled with an injury during his rookie season in 2013, which seemed to set him behind in competing with the other two receivers from his draft class. LaFell also emerged this preseason and seemed to find a rhythmn in the Patriots offense under all the Patriots’ quarterbacks. It seemed a matter of time until Boyce was waived.
Via Mike Reiss, the Patriots depth chart at wide receiver should include: Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell.
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