FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Aug. 30, 2005) -- The New England Patriots released kick returner Chad Morton, who was on the physically unable to perform list, and six other players.
Also cut were wide receiver Jason Anderson, placekicker Robbie Gould, offensive guard Ryan Krug, defensive lineman Ifo Pili, cornerback Hank Poteat and defensive lineman Santonio Thomas.
Morton was limited to six games last season by ligament damage in his right knee and did not re-sign with the Washington Redskins, where he spent two seasons. The Patriots signed him June 21.
He was drafted by New Orleans in the fifth round in 2000 and returned 44 kicks that season before spending the next two years with the New York Jets.
In 2003, he had career highs of 48 carries for 216 yards and also returned 44 kickoffs for an average of 23.4 yards and one touchdown in Washington.
The Patriots already had kickoff returners Kevin Faulk and Patrick Pass and added Tim Dwight in the offseason.
The final cuts to a 53-man roster must be made by Sept. 3.
