Chris Harper has been banished from the New England Patriots' roster following Sunday night's costly muffed punt.
Harper was released on Monday, the team announced.
Although Tom Brady was careful not to point the finger at Harper during a Monday morning radio appearance, coach Bill Belichick is a noted stickler for ball security.
Harper's release could be a sign that veteran wideout Danny Amendola is a nearing a return from his Week 12 knee injury.
On the other hand, Belichick might simply prefer to sign a punt returner he can trust to hold onto the ball in key situations.
