Rohrwasser released by Patriots
Clifton Park native was a fifth-round pick; Ex-danes Williams, Green released
The New England Patriots announced Saturday they released Justin Rohrwasser, the kicker from Clifton Park selected in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft.
The Patriots cut both kickers who battled for the job in training camp: Rohrwasser, a Catholic Central graduate who played for the Holy Trinity program, and veteran Nick Folk.
NFL teams had until 4 p.m. Saturday to cut down to a 53-man roster.
It doesn’t necessarily mean Rohrwasser’s time with the Patriots is over. New England wants Rohrwasser on its practice squad, according to multiple media outlets, and can re-sign him on Sunday, if he clears waivers without being claimed by another team.
Folk, 35, who kicked for the Patriots last season, outperformed Rohrwasser in camp. Last week, Folk made 13 of 15 field goals while Rohrwasser converted 9 of 14, according to The Athletic. The Patriots could bring Folk back, pending other transactions.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday the kicking battle was “pretty close.”
“I think that every team I’ve ever been on, this has come up, where you have a veteran player with experience and a very accomplished career, with a younger player with potentially a long career ahead of him that has less experience,” Belichick said.
In other news, former Ualbany players Jarren Williams and Juwan Green were released by the Giants and Falcons, respectively. Williams, a cornerback, and Green, a wide receiver, are also practice-squad candidates, should they clear waivers.
Former Great Danes defensive end/linebacker Eli Mencer, also a rookie, is on the Seattle Seahawks’ injured reserve with a hamstring injury and will remain there until he passes a physical. After that, he could also be bound for the practice squad.
The selection of Rohrwasser, who played collegiately at Rhode Island and Marshall, drew controversy in April because of a tattoo on his left arm associated with a right-wing militia group called the “Three Percenters.”
Rohrwasser said shortly after that he would have the tattoo removed, though it washardtotellincampbecause he wore long sleeves under his jersey.
There was also media speculation early in camp that Rohrwasser might have been injured because he wasn’t seen kicking for several days and rode an exercise bike during practice.