Tweet
That leaves the Pats with only 3 WR active: Troy Brown, Reche Caldwell and Bam Childress. Rookie S Williams Andrews has worked at WR some as well, but he is far from a finished product.
Releasing Jonathan Smith makes more sense now. If Gabriel could have played, Childress wouldn't have been needed as much and Smith's contribution on ST was preferred. With Gabriel out, Childress is needed to play WR and Smith was a luxury they couldn't afford. Bottom line: Childress is more ready to play WR for the Pats and they ended up having a bigger need there because of Gabriel tweaking his hammy.
Don't be surprised if Smith is re-signed by the Pats after this week.
Releasing Jonathan Smith makes more sense now. If Gabriel could have played, Childress wouldn't have been needed as much and Smith's contribution on ST was preferred. With Gabriel out, Childress is needed to play WR and Smith was a luxury they couldn't afford. Bottom line: Childress is more ready to play WR for the Pats and they ended up having a bigger need there because of Gabriel tweaking his hammy.
Don't be surprised if Smith is re-signed by the Pats after this week.