Steelers RB has fine rescinded by NFL

READ MORE:

 

Patriots Cut Ty Montgomery, Sign Ex Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker

FOXBORO — As the New England Patriots continue to savor their 21-18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday Night Football, they are also keeping an eye on the future by making a trio of roster moves Friday evening. After a poor performance in the win, the Pats have cut running back/receiver Ty Montgomery. To fill his roster spot, they signed linebacker/special teamer Christian Elliss off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. Montgomery originally signed with the Pats in March 2022, with the hope of playing a notable role on third-down, as well as a backfield receiver. Unfortunately, numerous injuries either reduced his workload, or kept him out of action entirely for much of his tenure in a Patriots uniform. During his two seasons with New England, Montgomery appeared in 14 games, carrying the ball five times for seven yards, while catching eight passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. He also returned 10 kicks for 247 yards.

Montgomery’s place on the team had become recently become tenuous, even after lead back Rhamondre Stevenson suffered an ankle injury, which will force him to miss “a few weeks.” In addition to his reduction in playing time, the Pats also enlisted the services of former Jacksonville Jaguars running back JaMycal Hasty — a move which was likely to further lessen his snap count. Montgomery’s time with New England essentially ended when Steelers special teamer Miles Killebrew easily bypassed him en route to blocking a punt attempt by rookie Bryce Baringer. The special teams miscue led to an eight-point swing in Pittsburgh’s favor, cutting the Pats lead to 21-18. Montgomery was immediately replaced in the lineup by safety Kyle Dugger, and did not play another snap for the remainder of the night.

With the addition of Elliss, the Patriots are hoping to bolster their special teams corps, while adding depth at linebacker. Ellis has played in 12 games with one start and accumulated 16 total tackles for Philadelphia in 2023 before being released on Dec. 6 to accommodate their signing of former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

Overall, Elliss has played in 19 regular season games with one start and has 26 total tackles and has played in three postseason games, including Super Bowl LII. New England reportedly beat out five other teams to claim the third-year pro, who played 238 snaps on special teams and 119 on defense. Lastly, the Patriots released kicker Matthew Wright from their practice squad. The veteran was brought aboard on Nov. 29 in light of the recent struggles of rookie kicker Chad Ryland. The Pats 2023 fourth-rounder missed a 35-yard field goal, which would have tied New England’s Week 12 game against the New York Giants in the closing seconds. The Patriots players will enjoy a brief respite before returning to the practice field on Monday in preparation for their Week 15 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, De. 17 at 1 p.m. ET from Gillette Stadium.