Pats wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, one of the feel-good stories for the New England Patriots in 2013 as he rose from undrafted rookie free agent to front-line contributor, was waived by the team Saturday.
Thompkins started in the season opener this year, but was inactive for two of the last three games as he was passed on the depth chart by five-year veteran Brandon LaFell. Thompkins totaled six catches for 53 yards in 85 offensive snaps this season (including penalties), and he doesn't play on special teams.
With the Patriots' offense struggling to find its groove, the release of Thompkins shakes things up a bit. With him out of the mix at receiver, the Patriots have Julian Edelman, LaFell, Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson atop the depth chart. Dobson, the team's second-round draft choice from 2013, has only played in one game this season, and Thompkins' release potentially will create more opportunity for him, according to the story. LaFell showed something in Week 4 against the Chiefs so there could be an opportunity for him as well. However outside of Edelman, the Pats WR situation is one that needs to shake out a little for fantasy purposes.
Chiefs news
