Perhaps hinting at the imminent return of Rob Gronskowski, the New Patriots released tight end Zach Sudfeld on Thursday. Sunfeld was not on the waiver wire long. The New York Jets claimed him on Friday.
Gronkowski is nearing return from offseason arm and back surgeries, something that has been on and off for the past few weeks. Releasing Sudfeld, a spare part in the Pats offense, in theory created a roster opening for Gronkowski.
Without Gronkowski or running mate Aaron Hernandez (who won't be joining any NFL team soon, if ever again), the Patriots had a hole in their receiving corps.
The other side: The Pats used the roster spot immediately when they picked up talented but brittle wide receiver Austin Collie.
Gronkowski, if healthy, would fill a major demand on the offense as a big, talented receiving target for quarterback Tom Brady.
Matthew Mulligan emerged as a go-to tight end for now, knocking Sudfeld down the pecking order. Despite an impressive preseason, Sunfeld became redundant.
Friday's move put the Jets in need of a roster adjustment. They enter the weekend with Jeff Cumberland, Konrad Reuland and Kellen Winslow on their depth chart.
Speculation initially pointed at Winslow, an aging veteran with a history of injury. He leads the team with 16 receptions.
Instead, it was linebacker Scott Solomon who got the Jets' pink slip.
Sudfeld, at 6-7 and 260 pounds, joined the Pats as an undrafted free agent out of Nevada. He has upside for a team seeking a developmental prospect. Had the Jets not grabbed him, another team might have. If not, the Pats probably would have slapped the player known as "Baby Gronk" on their practice squad.
Earlier this week the Jets bring 6-5 wide receiver David Nelson into their plans.
By the way, the Patriots visit the Jets on Oct. 20.