Defensive lineman L.T. Tuipulotu, fullback/linebacker Taylor McCuller and offensive lineman Braxton Cave have all been released by the Patriots, according to reports.
Tuipulotu, signed as a rookie free agent in May, played in 12 games with 11 starts as a senior at Utah last season and finished with 42 total tackles, 1 ½ sacks, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
McCuller, another rookie free agent signed this past spring, is a 24-year-old who played in 38 games with 30 starts and finished with 281 total tackles, four forced fumbles and recovered two fumbles as a collegian at West Texas A&M. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder was granted an extra year of eligibility after suffering an injury in 2009 after redshirting in 2008.
Cave has been on and off the Patriots roster the last year-plus, and spent the bulk of 2013 on New England’s practice squad. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder was originally signed by Cleveland as a rookie free agent out of Notre Dame, but was released by Cleveland on Aug. 30. Cave played in 48 games for Notre Dame, including 35 starts at center. He also served as the team’s long snapper.
The Patriots need to be down to 53 players by the league-mandated deadline of 4 p.m. Saturday.
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