In a surprise move, Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reported on Sunday that the Patriots have informed backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell that he has been waived.
This comes as a mild surprise after head coach Bill Belichick has apparently decided to part ways with the former third-round draft choice after a little over a year removed from drafting him in 2008. Unfortunately O'Connell has struggled during the preseason, including throwing two interceptions during the team's victory over the Redskins Friday night.
By letting O'Connell go, that leaves five-year veteran Andrew Walter and rookie free agent Brian Hoyer on the roster at quarterback to back up quarterback Tom Brady.
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