Tyler Gaffney released: What could have been

Yesterday, the New England Patriots announced that they released running back Tyler Gaffney. Unfortunately for Gaffney, injuries have plagued his NFL career, keeping him from capitalizing off a stellar Stanford career.

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Originally selected with the No. 204 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2014 NFL Draft, Gaffney was expected to compete with Kenjon Barner for the No. 3 role as a rookie. However, a torn lateral meniscus injury in his left knee ended Gaffney’s 2014 season, and the Panthers released him that summer.

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The Patriots quickly swooped in and laid claim on the college star, signing Gaffney before another team entered the sweepstakes. Gaffney spent the 2014 season on the injured reserve but did earn a Super Bowl XLIX ring.

Gaffney’s bad luck only continued in 2015 training camp when he suffered another season-ending injury. The Patriots waived him the following day, then placed him on injured reserve.

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One can only stop and wonder what Gaffney could have been had injuries not derailed his first two years in the NFL. When the Patriots originally plucked Gaffney away from Carolina, it was viewed as a classic crafty Bill Belichick waiver-wire maneuver, but injuries hindered Gaffney from reaching his potential in New England.

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Hopefully, Gaffney lands on his feet and is given another chance in the NFL. However, it won’t be in New England; the signing of Donald Brown only increases the crowded running back depth chart.

We wish Gaffney well in his next chapter.

Next: 5 positions Patriots will address in 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.