Patriots release CB Leigh Bodden

October 28, 2011|Monique Walker, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In a surprising move, the Patriots have released veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden, according to a league source

During Bill Belichick's press conference this morning, he was asked about the report, but said there is no announcement at this time. When asked to evaluate Bodden's play this season, Belichick said he will skip that question for now.

It's been a slow start for Bodden, who has battled injuries in his third season with the Patriots. Bodden signed a one-year deal with the Patriots before the 2009 season and had a stellar season. He started 14 of 15 games that year and finished with 54 tackles and five interceptions, prompting the Patriots to re-sign him to a four-year, $22-million deal.

Bodden, who is in his ninth NFL season, missed all of the 2010 with a shoulder injury injury and this season returned but had issues with groin injury as of late. The only game he started was against Buffalo and he was inactive against Oakland the following week

This season, Bodden has been thrown at 22 times and allowed 12 receptions and one touchdown, according to information provided by ProFootballFocus.com. He has played 222 snaps for the Patriots this season.