Patriots Release Wide Receiver Maurice Harris and Sign RB and LB Amid Wave of Roster Moves

The Patriots are shaking up their roster in hopes of finding some depth at key positions before the preseason comes to a close. Josh Gordon's official reinstatement and activation made a potential receiving option expendable after a few additions.

New England released wide receiver Maurice Harris, while adding running back Robert Martin and linebacker Scooby Wright.

The move comes as a slight surprise to New England fans, as Harris was being talked about as a potential sleeper pick in deep fantasy leagues early in the offseason. Now, Harris is looking for a job outside of the New England area.

Harris caught three passes for 27 yards and a score in the Patriots' 31-3 preseason win over the Detroit Lions. The roster construction just was not conducive to Harris sticking around.

The additions of Julian Edelman, Demaryius Thomas and Gordon internally created a numbers game for Harris he was not likely to win. Prior to those activations, it looked promising he would make the team.

As for the two new signings, Martin was an undrafted free agent who spent last season on the New York Giants' practice squad. It's unlikely he makes the roster, but another season on the practice squad could be in the cards.

Wright has bounced around in his short career after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He played with the Arizona Cardinals before this winter, when he appeared for the Arizona Hotshots in the recently disbanded AAF.

None of these moves will make crazy headlines, but depth is important in a league where players go down every day. These moves at the margins could help the Patriots get back to the Super Bowl.