New England Patriots Release Veteran RB Joseph Addai

Running back Joseph Addai was released by the New England Patriots on Wednesday afternoon, as the team made official the signings of tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and defensive lineman Tim Bulman.

After signing with the team in May, Addai seemed like he had a chance to be the elder statesmen of the running backs in New England. Instead, he is the second former Colt that New England released this offseason, following the release of wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez in May.

It could be possible Addai did not pass a physical upon reporting to training camp on Wednesday, which may have resulted in his release. At 29 years old and the best production of his career clearly a thing of the past, one must wonder if this could be the last stop in a Pro Bowl career that started on a high note in Indianapolis.

Addai rushed for just 433 yards in 12 games last season as a member of the Colts. His best season came in 2007, when he rushed for 1,072 yards and totaled 15 combined touchdowns on the ground and through the air. 

The Patriots were originally considering drafting Addai in the 2006 NFL draft before they decided on Minnesota product Laurence Maroney, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Addai went on to get the best of Maroney, though, becoming the more productive and more tenured player, as Maroney has already been out of football since 2010. 

The Patriots now have one extra roster spot to reach the 90-man limit, as they head into Thursday's first official training camp practice at 1:30 p.m.