With Deion Branch and Kellen Winslow Jr. joining the New England Patriots, cuts had to be made to fit the two new players on the roster. Wide receiver Greg Salas and linebacker Mike Rivera were placed on waivers Tuesday and running back Lex Hilliard was cut according to a league source.
The Patriots traded a 2015 seventh-round draft pick to the St. Louis Rams on Sept. 1 to acquire Salas, who was a fourth-round pick in 2011. Salas played in six games for the Rams last season, catching 27 passes for 264 yards.
Rivera has been active for both of the Patriots game this season, playing on special teams in both games. Prior to this season he has bounced around, spending time on the practice squads of the Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins.
Hilliard was signed by the Patriots on Sept. 4 and saw limited action as a fullback this season. Hilliard played four snaps in the Patriots Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He spent the past four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
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