FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots made a handful of roster moves Friday, the most notable coming with linebacker James Morris being waived.
A second-year player out of Iowa, Morris spent his rookie season with the team on injured reserve. He was considered a top candidate for a backup spot behind Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins, with his intelligence and command of the defense a top asset.
But Morris wasn't part of my final 53-man roster projection, so the decision doesn't come as a major surprise.
In addition to the decision with Morris, the Patriots also signed rookie cornerback Justin Coleman, who played in college at Tennessee and spent the offseason and preseason with the Minnesota Vikings. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Coleman could be a practice squad consideration when all is said and done, but for now he'll count against the 53-man roster.
Other moves made Friday by the Patriots:
Tight end Jake Bequette was waived with an injury settlement.
Other players waived included: running back Tony Creecy, wide receivers Zach D'Orazio and DaVaris Daniels, guards Ryan Groy and Caylin Hauptmann, offensive tackle Chris Martin, quarterback Ryan Lindley, and defensive tackles Casey Walker and A.J. Pataiali'i.
