FOXBORO -- The Patriots continue to inch closer to the 75-man roster limit they'll be required to hit on Aug. 30.
The team announced on Monday that they've released tight end Bear Pascoe, defensive back V'Angelo Bentley and safety Cedric Thompson. The news of Thompson's release was publicized Sunday by Thompson's agent David Canter.
Pascoe was a veteran member of a relatively deep tight end positional group, trying to carve a niche as blocker in the running game. Given the plethora of capable pass-catchers on the roster at that position, and given that the team has several offensive linemen -- who could be used as extra blockers in heavy sets -- Pascoe was a long-shot to make the 53-man roster.
Bentley was used as a reserve defensive back and a punt returner through training camp. The undrafted rookie out of Illinois measures in at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds.
The Patriots now have 86 players on their 90-man roster. They'll need to be down to 53 by Sep. 3.