Patriots Release Four Players

The Patriots have begun final cuts by releasing four players, Boston Globe writer Mike Reiss reports:

The New England Patriots announced the released of four players today:second-year nose tackle Steve Fifita, first-year offensive lineman Jimmy Martin, fourth-year cornerback Jeff Shoate and rookie tight end Jonathan Stupar.

The release of these four players brings the Patriots down to 71 players on their roster.  They need to be down to 53 by 4:00 PM tomorrow.

I’m a little dissapointed by the releases of Jonathan Stupar and Steve Fifita, two guys who I liked and who I thought could be viable backups for the team.

Stupar is a long, athletic tight end, who can make catches and traffic, and has a frame he can build upon.  He made a few catches in the preseason, but with the early release, it does not look like they are considering him for a practice sqad spot.  Fifita is a short, but thick player.  He makes an ideal fit at nose tackle.  With a good initial burst and strength, plus some solid preseason play, I thought he had a chance at the final roster, but I guess not.