Patriots finish Etling WR experiment, launch QB
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots waived Danny Etling on Tuesday, the workforce introduced, which ends an experiment during which the quarterback was trying to change to large receiver.
The Patriots wanted to create a roster spot to make room for tight finish Eric Saubert, who was acquired in a commerce from the Atlanta Falcons for a conditional seventh-round draft alternative.
Etling’s transition to receiver, with further obligations on particular groups, captured the eye of many at Patriots coaching camp. Receiver Phillip Dorsett stated Etling — who was a 2018 seventh-round draft alternative out of LSU — reminded him of New Orleans Saints quarterback/slash choice Taysom Hill.
The Patriots even have a notable historical past of gamers making a profitable place change, headlined by Julian Edelman going from faculty quarterback to NFL receiver.
Quarterback Danny Etling had been working at large receiver this offseason to attempt to enhance his roster possibilities with the Patriots. AP Photograph/Steven Senne
Etling spent his 2018 rookie season on the Patriots’ observe squad, however in an uncommon twist, the workforce had him attend street video games. Follow-squad gamers often do not journey, however coach Invoice Belichick stated Etling may benefit from being across the workforce, and Etling’s work ethic was extensively revered within the group. He was usually the final participant to go away the observe discipline in coaching camp.
However the Patriots chosen Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham within the fourth spherical of this 12 months’s draft, and that finally bumped Etling off the quarterback depth chart, with no room for a fourth choice behind Tom Brady, veteran Brian Hoyer and Stidham.
So he transitioned to receiver, however in latest days Etling had some struggles on the place. He was the supposed goal on an incomplete fourth-down cross within the preseason opener Thursday night time and likewise was penalized for unlawful formation.
Then in Monday’s observe, he bobbled a cross that was intercepted. He was additionally the supposed goal on one other cross that was picked off.