Patriots Reportedly Release Brian Hoyer, Deion Branch and Dan Koppen

The New England Patriots made three tough—and, in some cases, surprising—decisions on Friday as they continued to solidify their final roster.

After a short but effective, three-year career in New England, the Patriots reportedly made one surprising move on Friday when they cut backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

NFL reporter and radio host Adam Caplan tweeted the news:

"

Shocker: I'm told the Pats cut QB Brian Hoyer.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 31, 2012"

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport added to the surprise when he tweeted the news that New England also cut Pro Bowl center Dan Koppen:

"

Remember what I said about C Dan Koppen not being cut yet because they are trying to trade him? Well, source says he's been cut.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2012"

And finally, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Deion Branch's career has come to an end in New England (again):

"

Patriots released WR Deion Branch.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2012"

The cuts come on the heels of the Patriots' 6-3 loss to the Giants in their final preseason matchup. Hoyer's performance in the loss was resoundingly unimpressive: He went 9-of-15 for 96 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

Quarterback Ryan Mallett wasn't a whole lot better—he went 8-of-15 for 40 yards—but he didn't turn the ball over and was impressive in the all-important third preseason game, throwing for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Hoyer, meanwhile, didn't play in the third game. 

In three seasons with the Patriots, Hoyer got into 13 games, throwing for a single touchdown and a single interception.

Koppen was a part of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning teams in 2004 and 2005, and he was named to the Pro Bowl roster during the Patriots' prolific 18-1 season in 2007. Last year, however, he played in just a single game after suffering an ankle injury in the 2011 season opener.

In 2010, Branch began his second stint with the Patriots (his first was from 2002-05). The 2004 Super Bowl MVP joined New England early in the 2010 season, and in parts of two seasons he scored 10 touchdowns. Like Koppen, he was hampered by injuries for much of last season, rendering him somewhat ineffective for the Patriots' playoff push.