Report: Patriots release Matthews after WR's hamstring injury

Jordan Matthews' stint with the New England Patriots has essentially ended before it started, as the team released the veteran wide receiver Wednesday, a league source Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

Matthews reportedly suffered a significant hamstring injury during Sunday's practice.

The Patriots signed Matthews to a one-year, $1-million contract in April, two days after trading Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams.

The former second-round pick was a productive receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, but a recent slew of injuries has derailed his NFL career.

As a member of the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Matthews caught 25 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown.

With Matthews' release and Julian Edelman's four-game suspension, New England will rely on Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, and, of course, Rob Gronkowski to catch passes from Tom Brady in the early part of 2018. The team could also bring in help via free agency during camp.

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