The New England Patriots released wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who has been hampered by nagging knee injuries, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2016, Mitchell had a solid rookie season, where he caught 32 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns. Mitchell also made a handful of big catches in Super Bowl 52 against the Atlanta Falcons, helping the team erase a 28-3 deficit before winning in overtime. In total, Mitchell finished that game with five catches for 70 yards.
However, a knee injury forced Mitchell to miss the entire 2017 season, and it seems like the Patriots just weren't willing to wait around any longer for it to heal. Now on waivers, Mitchell will become a free agent if nobody claims her, per Field Yates of ESPN.
The Patriots wide receiver depth chart continues to undergo more massive makeovers. Top wideout Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason, while Danny Amendola signed with the Miami Dolphins for two years. Meanwhile, Julian Edelman received a four-game suspension after failing a drug test.
But with Edelman now 32 years of age and coming off a torn ACL, there's cause for concern if he'll be ready for the season when he's eligible to return in Week 5. The only other veteran receivers on the Patriots roster include Cordarrelle Pattterson, Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett and Eric Decker.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has a knack for being able to replace departed talent just fine, and they have plenty of guys who can step up and fill in for Mitchell. Given his young age and strong showing in the 2016 postseason, Mitchell shouldn't have any problems finding a job.
For now, the goal for Mitchell is to recover from the knee injury and get fully healthy before the 2018 season comes to an end.
NEXT: SAM DARNOLD TO GET A CHANCE TO WIN STARTING QUARTERBACK POSITION WITH JETS
