ESPN is reporting that the New England Patriots have released tight end Kellen Winslow after just one game.

Winslow, 29, signed a one-year contract with the team on September 19 just days after the Pats lost starting TE Aaron Hernandez to an ankle sprain.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Winslow had asked the team for his release, and the Patriots granted that request on Thursday.

While the reasoning behind Kellen’s release request is unknown, NBC Sports notes that he has been playing with chronic pain in his knee (stemming from his 2005 motorcycle accident) for years, and it apparently had become too much for him.

With Winslow’s release, the Patriots are down to three healthy tight ends: Rob Gronkowski, Daniel Fells, and Michael Hoomanawanui.

Hernandez, who has not practiced since his injury, is expected to be out at least another 2 to 3 weeks.

An eight-year veteran of the NFL, Winslow made his Patriots debut Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens, catching just one pass for a 12-yard pickup and a first down. The catch came on one of Winslow’s four snaps on the night.

Prior to his stint with New England, Kellen Winslow spent time with the Cleveland Browns (2004-2008) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011).

Over the course of his 93 game (80 starts) NFL career, the former first round draft pick has accumulated 438 receptions for 4,848 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Kellen Winslow Released By Patriots After One Game is a post from: The Inquisitr