The New England Patriots are looking to avoid any of the crippling effects caused by Jonathan Fanene's bum knee.
New England waived the veteran defensive lineman because of a “failure to disclose physical condition," which likely indicates the team is going to try to recoup some, if not all, of the $3.85-million signing bonus Fanene was given in March.
The designation is new this year and also was used by the Colts to waive an unknown player on Tuesday.
Fanene, who recorded 6.5 sacks last year with the Bengals, passed a physical upon signing with the Patriots but missed the last 13 practices of training camp with a knee injury.
The Boston Globe reported he was suffering from a chronic injury, likely arthritis, that the team was unaware until Fanene began missing practices.
“It just didn’t work out,” coach Bill Belichick told reporters before Wednesday’s joint practice with Tampa Bay. “Nothing to add other than that. It just didn’t work out.”
The hope was Fanene would serve as depth on the interior defensive line behind Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love. His release will likely push Ron Brace, who had a strong camp and played well against the Eagles Monday night, into the top reserve role.
Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNE or @nick_underhill.
