Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe reports that running back Joseph Addai was released by the Patriots on Wednesday after he reportedly failed his physical. Addai signed with the Patriots on May 10 of this year after playing six seasons for the Indianapolis Colts. "His release means the team has four running backs on the roster: Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead, and undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden," writes Young.
Greg A. Bedard and Shalize Manza Young of the Boston Globe also report that the Patriots placed offensive lineman Brian Waters on the Did Not Report list on Wednesday after he failed to show up to Gillette Stadium for the team's mandatory report date. "At this moment, I'm not really discussing the situation," Waters told Bedard via telephone. "Right now, I'm just handling things between me and the team." The twelve-year veteran did not take part in offseason activities and was excused from mandatory minicamp in the spring for personal reasons.
Mike Reiss and Mike Rodak of ESPNBoston.com report that linebacker Brandon Spikes was removed from the team's active/physically unable to play list on Wednesday after he passed his physical. "The move likely signals that Spikes will be ready to practice when the Patriots open training camp on Thursday," write Reiss and Rodak. Replacing Spikes on the active/PUP list was offensive lineman Nick McDonald. Reiss and Rodak note that the team's reason for moving McDonald to the active/PUP list was "not immediately known" and that McDonald was "a full participant in organized team activities and minicamp."
Mike Rodak also reports that the Patriots agreed to a deal Wednesday with defensive lineman Tim Bulman. A native of Milton, MA, Bulman attended Boston College and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He was a member of the Houston Texans for six seasons before joining the Patriots. "Bulman projects as a depth option at defensive tackle, where the Patriots will likely be without Myron Pryor (active/PUP) when they open practice on Thursday," writes Rodak.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald writes that the Patriots may rely often on a three-cornerback set in the secondary with Devin McCourty at right corner, Ras-I Dowling at left corner, and Kyle Arrington in the slot. Howe believes that this plan hinges on Dowling's health. If Dowling continues to struggle with injuries, notes Howe, Arrington could take over his role at outside corner, allowing other defensive backs such as Will Allen, Sterling Moore, and Alfonzo Dennard to move into the slot. "[B]ecause Dowling lost most of his rookie year to injury and is still an unknown at the NFL level, don't be surprised if Arrington makes a push for his job," writes Howe.
