In a bit of a surprise move, the Patriots have released veteran running back Ty Montgomery.
After signing linebacker Christian Elliss to the active roster, the Patriots needed to free up a roster spot, and the 30-year-old found himself as the odd man out. Montgomery has seen his production on offense dip with the additions of Ezekiel Elliot and JaMycal Hasty.
Yet, Montgomery added value to special teams by playing 198 snaps this season. Yesterday, Montgomery found himself in the center of a miscue, which led to a blocked punt for the Steelers. The blocked punt gave the Steelers prime field position and Pittsburgh took advantage, cutting the Patriots lead to three points in the fourth quarter.
Along with serving as the team’s running back, Montgomery was the primary kick returner with Marcus Jones on the injured reserve. The Stanford product averaged 24.3 yards per run back on nine attempts.
Montgomery entered the NFL in 2015 as a third-round selection from Green Bay. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Packers was short-lived, and he was later traded to the Ravens in exchange for a seventh-round pick; since then, Montgomery has spent time with the Jets and Saints before signing with the Patriots. Last season, Montgomery inked a two-year, $3.6 million contract.
This year, the running back has registered three rushing attempts for nine yards, appearing in 13 games. He recorded five receptions for 40 yards.
The Patriots claimed running back JaMycal Hasty on waivers earlier in the season. With Rhamondre Stevenson nursing an ankle injury, Elliott and Hasty are the only healthy running backs on the active roster. Sophomore running back Kevin Harris is on the practice squad.
Along with waiving Ty Montgomery, the Patriots also made a practice squad transaction. The team reportedly waived kicker Matthew Wright from the practice squad. So, for now, Chad Ryland’s job is safe.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
