Today In Patriots History August 28, 2013: Pats waive Ras-IR Dowling

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Today in Patriots History
Farewell Ras-IR​

August 28, 2013:
The New England Patriots waive 2011 2nd round pick Ras-I Dowling


At the time Dowling was considered to be Bill Belichick's worst draft pick ever, slightly edging out Tavon Wilson for that dishonor.

Patriots Part Ways With Ras-I Dowling, Cut Beleaguered Cornerback

It appears the Patriots are finished waiting for Ras-I Dowling to finally come through and cut him Wednesday.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that the Patriots have released cornerback Ras-I Dowling, ending a disappointing tenure for him here in New England.​

The former 2nd round pick in 2011 hasn't been able to stay healthy and has been plagued with injuries during his two seasons in the NFL, spending time the last two years on injured reserve.​

Expectations were high for him coming into this season and some thought this would be his chance to finally turn a corner, but he's once again been battling injuries during camp and it appears the Patriots are done waiting for him to finally become a productive player.​

The news comes after Dowling had finally returned to be a full participant at practice the last two days, but after not yet playing any of New England's previous three exhibition contests, clearly whatever the coaches saw wasn't enough to give him an opportunity to play tomorrow night.​

Things never quite panned out for Dowling here in New England.​

Bill Belichick has a history of cutting guys early to give them another opportunity to latch on elsewhere, and one has to wonder if that was the case here. Needless to say it will be interesting to see where he lands, or if he has better luck keeping his body healthy in a new setting.​

The Patriots are currently preparing to face the New York Giants tomorrow night at Gillette Stadium.​

It would be nearly two months before Dowling drew interest from another team. And that was the Jets (of course), who signed the 33rd overall selection of the 2011 draft to their practice squad, on October 23. A year later he played in three games for the Raiders, a sum which totals 25% of his NFL playing time. From 2011 to 2012 the Patriots played in a total of 37 games. In his two seasons in New England, Dowling appeared in just nine of those games, or less than one out of every four.

Ras-I Dowling released

Adam Schefter ?@AdamSchefter 3m Surprise, surprise: Patriots cut CB Ras-I Dowling.

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T

Thread 'Ras-I Dowling released'

Aug 28, 2013

Adam Schefter ?@AdamSchefter 3m
Surprise, surprise: Patriots cut CB Ras-I Dowling.

• TyronePoole
• Replies: 304
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

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Today in Patriots History
Parcells cuts Troy Brown​

August 28, 1994:
The New England Patriots waive 1993 draft pick Troy Brown


On the bubble KR/PR/WR Troy Brown was one of six players let go by second-year head coach Bill Parcells, following a preseason week four loss at Lambeau Field two days earlier.


The Patriots began the 1994 season with Vincent Brisby and Michael Timpson as the starters at wide receiver, Ray Crittenden and Steve Hawkins as backups, and John Burke as a tight end who could fill in at wide receiver. Compared to 1993, the initial roster was geared to the running game, with three fullbacks on board: Kevin Turner, Burnie Legette, and Sam Gash. Crittenden also handled kickoff and punt returns.


Curiously, Parcells did not sign Troy Brown to his initial practice squad, opting instead for two other receivers: some guy by the name of Mario Henry, and another KR/PR specialist, Ronnie Harris. Troy sat unemployed, available to all 32 NFL teams for nearly two months. Harris was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for a week 7 loss at the Jets - his one and only game with the Patriots - then returned to the practice squad, with Troy being re-signed on October 19.


Brown took over the primary punt and kick return duties for the rest of '94, but rarely saw any playing time as a receiver until Pete Carroll came to town, breaking through with 41 receptions for 607 yards and six touchdowns in 1997.