Ken Walter signed, Spann released (merged)

[pats1]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

November 22, 2006
Walter signed

The Patriots announced that they have signed punter Ken Walter and released CB Antwain Spann.

Walter's return caps off an unpredictable journey.

At the end of the 2003 season, Walter wasn't re-signed by the Patriots. Walter struggled at the tail end of that season, was cut for a week as he lost his job to Brooks Barnard, then re-signed for the Patriots' final surge to the Super Bowl championship.

Walter's career appeared over, but he was signed by Seattle in November of 2004 and punted in six regular-season games and one playoff contest. Yet no team called in 2005 and Walter, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder in October, filed his retirement papers with the league.

As Walter rehabilitated his shoulder injury, he was motivated by his physical therapist to make a comeback. He told the Boston Globe last week that he's striking the ball as well as he ever has, and both the Texans and Jaguars had him in for tryouts last week.

The 34-year-old Walter has played in 112 career regular seaosn games and seven playoff games for Carolina (1997-2000), New England (2001-2003) and Seattle (2004).

The Patriots currently have two punters on their roster -- Josh Miller and Walter. Miller has been struggling of late and was added to the team's injury report today with a shoulder ailment.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 03:28:58 PM

Of course, it was me just 7 hours ago who claimed this:

http://patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showpost.php?p=246126&postcount=5

I think Mike went a bit off the deep end here. Miller is fine. Just like all punters, he's going to go through streaks and slumps. I highly, highly doubt the Pats are even thinking about bringing back Walter.

...

So, I have only two words:

Brooks Barnard.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Walter back with Pats (BB mother released from basement)

EEI just said that the Pats have sign Ken Walter to punt and Miller has an injuried shoulder. I can't believe they couldn't find anyone better.

 

[pats1]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Not like it's any surprise, but it's safe to say Josh Miller is injured.

 

[JR4]

Re: Walter back with Pats (BB mother released from basement)

Maybe something is really wrong with Miller???

 

[DarrylS]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I suspect injury also, let the Walter adventure begin, I remember when he punted for us last time a considerable amount of time was spent talking about him and his punting... more than we should have.

 

[Pats726]

Walter signed...SPann gone prob to PSqd

Walter is signed..per Reiss....so it seems Miller may be injured and this is insurance just in case..a good move...

 

[RayClay]

Re: Walter back with Pats (BB mother released from basement)

Good headline.

What happened to that guy they had on the practice squad?

I'd rather have Spann try a couple punts myself. I just hope Borges never gets a hold of The Polaroids Walters got stashed.

 

[pats1]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I suspect injury also, let the Walter adventure begin, I remember when he punted for us last time a considerable amount of time was spent talking about him and his punting... more than we should have.

Even enough for the Brooks Barnard era to begin and end...

 

[patsox23]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

So...I guess Spann gets re-signed to the p.s. and they release that young punter? (Or did we get rid of him already?)

 

[carolinatony]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Sorry...who is Brooks Barnard ??

 

[RayClay]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I suspect injury also, let the Walter adventure begin, I remember when he punted for us last time a considerable amount of time was spent talking about him and his punting... more than we should have.

Twenty yard punts tend to make you a topic of conversation.

Other than "get rid of him" and "who did he screw to get on the team?", I don't think I had much to say.

 

[RayClay]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Sorry...who is Brooks Barnard ??

A guy we signed for a while. I think it was between Walter stints, but I'm not sure.

 

[pats1]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Sorry...who is Brooks Barnard ??

After Walter sucked up the house in mid-2003, they cut Walter and brought in Brooks Barnard for one game (vs. Miami, snow bowl). Walter came back the next week.

 

[BelichickFan]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I am seriously in a state of shock that Ken Walter is back. My God

 

[Johnny Mac]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Haha, I remeber saying in the chat how bad Miller is doing, and was met with responses of, "Would you like Walter back?"

 

[pats1]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

So...I guess Spann gets re-signed to the p.s. and they release that young punter? (Or did we get rid of him already?)

Baugher's still around, but the practice squad is only at 7 guys (Spann was promoted on Sunday), so Spann will probably just be re-signed without any counter-move.

 

[broadwayjoe]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Twenty yard punts tend to make you a topic of conversation.

Other than "get rid of him" and "who did he screw to get on the team?", I don't think I had much to say.

I was thinking the same thing he has to know somebody with Vinatieri gone
maybe he will be friends with Ghost now.

 

[pats1]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I'm going to re-watch the 2003 season DVD now. If I come back pissed off, you'll know why.

 

[Pats726]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

Pats1...you beat me to it..I was posting as you were..and... It is an interesting move..I agree..Spann back to PSquad.... And what really stinks is that before one could delete a thread through editing..no more..as I want to delete it..

 

[RayClay]

Re: Ken Walter signed, Spann released

I was thinking the same thing he has to know somebody with Vinatieri gone
maybe he will be friends with Ghost now.

Actually he has a connection to BB I believe.

Ball boy on the Browns? Help me out posters!!

Seriously, the only time I've considered BB playing favorites.