Bruce Ellington

It's not clear what Ellington is dealing with. If we had to guess, it likely has something to do with the persistent hamstring woes he's dealt with over his career. After all, the receiver had part of his hamstring removed after tearing it in 2016 and has now ended each of the past three seasons on IR with the injury.

It's not clear why Ellington is being let go, but it's possible his dismissal was an effort to create a roster spot for a young or undrafted player that has tried out for New England in recent days. The Patriots have also added first-round rookie receiver N'Keal Harry, veteran Demaryius Thomas (Achilles) and Maurice Harris since originally signing Ellington in March. Ellington should have a solid chance of landing another contract before training camps start up.

With Ellington on IR, wideout DeAndrew White was added to the Texans' active roster. The loss of Ellington for the team's stretch run taxes the team's wideout depth behind top wideout DeAndre Hopkins. Braxton Miller (concussion), Chris Thompson and versatile RB Andre Ellington remain on hand, but ideally, from the Texans' perspective, Will Fuller (ribs) will be able to return sooner rather than later.

Ellington was designated questionable to return Sunday before ultimately being ruled out. The 26-year-old had five receptions for 56 yards prior to hurting his hamstring, and Braxton Miller has been the immediate beneficiary of his absence. There is no indication as to the severity of the injury at this point.