Patriots release Harper after muffed punt vs. Broncos

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The Patriots released receiver Chris Harper less than 24 hours after he muffed a punt that helped the Broncos hand New England its first loss of the season on Sunday night.

Denver began its 14-point fourth-quarter comeback in earnest after Harper mishandled a Britton Colquitt punt that was recovered by Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett at the Patriots 36-yard line. Four plays later, Denver running back CJ Anderson ran for a 15-yard touchdown to cut the Patriots lead to 21-14.

Harper filled in as the team's primary punt returner with both Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola out with injuries. He fielded three punts cleanly before turning it over the the Broncos with over 14 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. 

On Colquitt's previous punt, it was Patriots safety Patrick Chung who camped under it and reeled it in. For the majority of the game, both Chung and Harper aligned deep and next to one another, splitting the field in half, when the Broncos were punting from their own territory.

After the muffed punt, the Patriots did not return Colquitt's 38-yard boot with 4:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Against the Broncos, Harper played just five offensive snaps, seeing time in New England's three-receiver packages with Rob Gronkowski out of the game thanks to a knee injury. 

The Patriots currently have two spots remaining on their practice squad. If Harper clears waivers, he could be a candidate to land on that 10-man unit. 

 

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