New England Patriots Release Running Back Joseph Addai

The New England Patriots have released veteran halfback Joseph Addai, according to a tweet by ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

"

Patriots announce the release of RB Joseph Addai.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 25, 2012"

The Patriots signed the seven-year pro in May, per Patriots.com. He was expected to provide experience in an otherwise young New England backfield.

Instead, the Patriots have opted to go into training camp with four tailbacks: 2011 draft picks Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, the versatile Danny Woodhead and 2012 undrafted free agent Brandon Bolden.

The 29-year-old Addai was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2006 draft. The LSU product enjoyed two 1,000-yard seasons with the Colts in 2006 and 2007. However, his highest rushing total since was 828 during the 2009 campaign. Last year, the 5'11", 205-pound back notched just 3.7 yards per carry—the second lowest of his career.

In June, Addai spoke fondly about the Patriots organization with ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss:

"

"I like it. They take care of their players here. They do a lot of things to make sure that guys are ready to play football," Addai said after Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice. "They've been doing a great job as far as treating me and taking care of my body."

"

The fact that Addai was released prior to the beginning of training camp on July 26 spells good news for Ole Miss rookie Brandon Bolden, whose odds of cracking the Pats' 53-man roster just got a whole lot better.

Aside from Bolden, the departure of Addai also suggests a reinstalled faith in the promising Patriots' rushing corps.