The New England Patriots waived receiver Kenbrell Thompkins on Saturday.
The move appeared on the NFL's transaction wire and the Patriots promoted linebacker Ja'Gared Davis from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
Thompkins was an undrafted free-agent signee in 2013. He caught 32 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns last season.
The 26-year-old wideout was inactive last week in a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has played in just two games this season with six receptions for 53 yards and no scores.
It's a precipitous fall for Thompkins who started Week 1. Tom Brady has said Thompkins was one of his most trusted receivers.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that Thompkins was told they could bring him back next week if he clears waivers, per a source briefed on the circumstances. Breer also reported Thompkins' release was a result of the numbers game on the roster.
The Patriots receivers group has been a huge question mark throughout the first quarter of the season. The lack of a playmaker or field-stretching weapon has been one cause of Brady's struggles.
Thompkins' waiving comes a day after coach Bill Belichick came to the defense of another receiver, Aaron Dobson, who was also inactive last week.
New England did not activate either cornerback Brandon Browner or receiver Brian Tyms for Sunday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both are coming off suspensions.
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