Gaffney, Dobson, LeBlanc, Grugier-Hill released by Patriots

FOXBORO — NFL 'Cut Day' has arrived and the New England Patriots have begun making moves to trim their roster from 75 players down to 53.

The first of the cut casualties are running back Tyler Gaffney, disappointing wide receiver Aaron Dobson, corner back Cre'Von LeBlanc and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill.

Gaffney, 25, was claimed by the Patriots off waivers from the Carolina Panthers in 2014. He spent the past two seasons on IR battling injuries. Gaffney flashed this preseason but struggled in the Patriots finale in New York against the Giants. The move looks like a good sign for Patriots rookie running back D.J. Foster, an undrafted free agent from Arizona State.

Dobson, 25, was the Patriots second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He joined the team with high hopes and potential as a 6'3" receiver out of Marshall. Dobson never panned out in the Patriots offense, totaling 53 career receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns in 3 seasons with the Pats.

LeBlanc, 22, was an undrafted free agent signing by the Pats this year. He is currently battling an injury but is a candidate to remain in New England on the practice squad.

Grugier-Hill, 22, was the Patriots sixth round pick in this years draft from Eastern Illinois. Grugier-Hill saw heavy duty on special teams for the Patriots this preseason and will also be a candidate to remain in New England on the practice squad.

-The Patriots have waived full back Joey Iosef. Iosefa, 25 had 15 carries for 51 yards in 2015 with the Patriots. He is eligible to remain with the team on the practice squad.

-Wide receiver Keshawn Martin and defensive lineman Marcus Kuhn have also been released by the Patriots.

-The Patriots have released corner back Daryl Roberts and wide receiver Chris Harper.

-Former Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri and guard Chris Barker have been cut.

-The Patriots have cut Devin Lucien, wide receiver from Arizona State drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.

-Linebacker Rufus Johnson has been let go by the Patriots leaving just three more cuts to get the roster down to 53.

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