The New England Patriots will be releasing Brian Hoyer, Dan Koppen and James Ihedigbo on Friday, according to various reports. NFL team's are required to reduce their rosters to the 53-man limit by Friday night at 9 p.m., ET, and these men were unfortunate casualties in attempt to complete that process.
Hoyer was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was expected to be Tom Brady's backup this season. According to Adam Caplan, Hoyer is not vested, which makes him eligible to be claimed off waivers as early as Saturday at noon.
Koppen was originally drafted by the Patriots with the No. 164 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft and won two Super Bowls during his tenure with the team. He was acting in the role of backup center.
Ihedigbo signed with New England last offseason and played in all 16 games after a slew of injuries decimated the Patriots defensive back corps. Patrick Chung is expected to start at strong safety in his place.
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