The Patriots announced on Tuesday that they have released rookie wide receiver Chris Harper.
The undrafted rookie receiver from Cal made the 53-man roster out of training camp after a strong preseason performance during which he caught 15 passes for 150 yards. Harper played in 12 snaps in the Patriots season-opener on Thursday night, helping to spell fellow wideouts Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson.
The Patriots have a few options to fill Harper's spot on the active roster. The team could promote receiver Kenbrell Thompkins from the practice squad in order to provide more depth to its receiving corps. The Patriots could also promote practice-squad receiver Nathan Palmer if they so choose.
Another option would be for the Patriots to sign free-agent receiver Terrelle Pryor, who worked out with the Patriots on Monday. Pryor has no practice-squad eligibility and if added would have to be placed on the active roster.
Linebacker Eric Martin, who was a core-four special teamer for the Patriots in Week 1, could also be brought back into the mix. He was released over the weekend to make room for running back LeGarrette Blount, who served a suspension for a violation of the league's substance-abuse policy last week.
According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, the Patriots brought in a pair of players who spent camp with the team in defensive lineman Joe Vellano and linebacker Dekoda Watson. Reiss also noted that the Patriots worked out former Ohio State receiver Evan Spencer on Tuesday.
