Chris Harper Released by Patriots: Latest Comments and Reaction

Chris Harper paid a heavy price for his muffed punt in the New England Patriots' 30-24 overtime defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Patriots confirmed they waived the 21-year-old wide receiver/return man after Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com first reported the news.   

Harper's time in New England may not be completely over, however, with ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reporting he could return to the team's practice squad.

With the Patriots holding on to a 21-7 lead in the fourth quarter, Harper fumbled a punt, which the Broncos subsequently turned into a touchdown. The play occurs at the 1:16 mark of the video below:

The Boston Globe's Ben Volin didn't downplay the significance of Harper's mistake:

Patriots fans could spin this move into a positive.

Danny Amendola missed Sunday's game because of a knee injury. If New England is going to cut a wide receiver without signing a replacement, then it must be confident Amendola is ready to go for Week 13.

Between his role in the Patriots' loss and Amendola's potential return, Harper's days on the active roster were numbered.