FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots released four players today, including veteran running back J.R. Redmond. Others waived included second-year running back Antwoine Womack, first-year nose tackle Ken Kocher and rookie defensive end Buck Rasmussen.
Redmond, 25, was originally drafted by the Patriots in the third round (76th overall) of the 2000 NFL draft out of Arizona State. In three seasons with the Patriots, the 5-foot-11-inch, 215-pound running back started five of 33 games played. He rushed for 527 yards and scored one touchdown on 164 carries (3.2 avg.) during that time. He also scored twice and added 263 yards on 35 receptions. He appeared in nine games last season and carried the ball four times for two yards.
Womack, 25, was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (237th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft. The 5-foot-11-inch, 225-pound running back was placed on the non-football injury list on Aug. 27, 2002 and missed his rookie season while rehabilitating an injury he suffered during his senior year at Virginia.
Kocher, 23, originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as a non-drafted rookie free agent in 2002 after playing at UCLA. After being waived by the Packers, the 6-foot-3-inch, 316-pound nose tackle was signed by the Patriots to their practice squad on Oct. 28, 2002 and re-signed with the team following the 2002 season.
Rasmussen, 24, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Nebraska-Omaha. The 6-foot-4-inch, 281-pound defensive end was credited with half a sack in the preseason opener against the New York Giants on Aug. 7, 2003.
