Patriots waive six players, including Stephen Neal
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Shane Donaldson (New England Patriots)
08/27/2001
The Patriots waived six players from their roster Sunday, including two second-year players and four rookie free agents. The six players who were waived are long snapper Ryan Benjamin, wide receivers Ronney Daniels and Shockmain Davis, defensive end Reggie Grimes, linebacker Yubrenal Isabelle and offensive tackle Stephen Neal. Neal, signed just before training camp, was a former collegiate wrestler at California State University-Bakersfield, but did not play college football. The 6-4, 290-pounder signed as a defensive lineman, but made the transition to offensive line, where he played right tackle in each of the team's first three preseason games. Davis originally signed as a rookie free agent out Angelo State following the 2000 NFL draft. He started one of 12 games played as a rookie and recorded two receptions for 12 yards. He also had two kick returns for 45 yards. In three preseason games this year, the 6-0, 205-pound receiver caught one pass for 11 yards. Grimes originally signed as a rookie free agent out of Alabama following the 2000 NFL draft. The 6-4, 290-pound defensive end played in eight games as a rookie, mostly on special teams. He appeared in the first three preseason games this year and recorded two defensive tackles. Isabelle, signed as a rookie free agent out of Virginia, had three tackles in three preseason games. Benjamin originally signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie free agent following the 2001 NFL draft. The 6-2, 250-pound prospect was brought in to give Lonie Paxton some competition. He appeared in one preseason game. The team must trim their roster to the NFL limit of 65 players (plus NFL Europe exemptions) by Tuesday, Aug. 28. With Sunday's moves the official roster has 77 players on it. Included are cornerbacks Ray Hill and Brock Williams and linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, none of whom are likely to play this season because of injury. Also, tight end Arther Love is on the Physically Unable to Perform list.