Britt injures shoulder

The Patriots released WR Kenny Britt. He struggled to shake a hamstring injury in camp and missed the first 2 preseason games. New England is left with Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker and Cordarrelle Patterson behind Chris Hogan. Julian Edelman, of course, is suspended for the first 4 games.

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe projected New England's 53-man roster Monday and did not include Kenny Britt among the WRs. Volin projects Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker and Cordarrelle Patterson making the roster, with Julian Edelman opening the year on suspension and Riley McCarron going to the practice squad. Britt has yet to practice in training camp because of a hamstring injury. "If Britt can't get on the field soon, his time with the Patriots might end swiftly," Volin writes. This is just 1 writer's opinion, of course, but we have to weigh all these opinions from regular observers of the team this time of year -- especially when deciding how to treat murky situations such as New England's WR corps in our fantasy football drafts. For now, Britt's a risky late-round option in any format. If he does get the boot, there's no guarantee he catches on elsewhere. Among the 3 new veterans listed, Patterson is probably the best bet to stick because of his value in the return game.

The Patriots have exercised their 2018 option on WR Kenny Britt's contract. He's set to earn $1.5 million this year -- but none of that is guaranteed. It basically lets New England see what Britt can offer this offseason at no risk. He was a colossal flop in Cleveland last year but is also just a couple of seasons removed from a 1,000-yard campaign with the Rams.

The Patriots have signed WR Kenny Britt, who was dumped by the Browns last week. It's a 2-year deal, which makes it a more interesting move. Britt is a long shot to hold any fantasy value the rest of this season, but he'll be worth monitoring closely in the offseason. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New England was in on Britt when he was a free agent this offseason but was priced out by the Browns' offer. Britt, of course, was a colossal flop in Cleveland. But he's also just a year removed from a 1,000-yard season with the Rams. He turns 30 next September.

The Browns are releasing WR Kenny Britt, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. We actually forgot he was still on the roster. Britt totaled 18 receptions in 9 games as a Brown. We'll see where the 29-year-old lands next.