The New England Patriots were trying to convert quarterback Danny Etling to play wide receiver during training camp, but that experiment has officially come to an end.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots waived Etling on Tuesday in order to make the necessary roster space for the addition of newly acquired tight end Eric Saubert, whom they received via a trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
Etling switching to wide receiver was one of the more intriguing storylines enfolding in Patriots training camp, and he was even getting work on special teams.
Etling spent the entire 2018 season on the Patriots’ practice squad, and while practice squad players usually don’t travel, the Pats had Etling attend their road games with head coach Bill Belichick believing that Etling could benefit from being around the team.
With Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, and rookie Jarrett Stidham already on the roster, Etling didn’t fit in the teams plans at quarterback, prompting the experimental change.
Etling struggled recently with the transition, making a number of miscues in practice of late.