Jordan Matthews with the Eagles in 2015. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- When Jordan Matthews signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in April after four seasons with the Eagles and Bills, the 26-year-old former second-rounder couldn't have been more excited.
"I knew this was the best opportunity for me to grow as a player," he said at the time. "I had some other teams that contacted me that I visited, but I knew just as a player and as a man--I'm recently married, about to have my first child--I don't feel like I'm called to be comfortable, and I feel like this will be a great place for me to grow."
Unfortunately, the Jordan Matthews Era ended before it started. The injury-plagued receiver suffered a serious hamstring ailment in the Pats' fourth training camp practice Sunday and, yesterday, he was released with an injury settlement. The loss is significant for New England, especially considering Matthews projected to take on a larger role the first month of the season with Julian Edelman suspended.
Without him and barring any future trades, the Patriots' depth at receiver will be tested early and often after Chris Hogan. That means a larger focus on Phillip Dorsett and perhaps kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson.
Preseason play begins a week from tonight in Foxborough against the Redskins.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports