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Patriots release tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Updated)

Austin Seferian-Jenkins is stepping away from football for “personal reasons” after the Patriots informed him of his release, per multiple reports.

Sep 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins runs with the ball against New York Giants corner back Janoris Jenkins during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins runs with the ball against New York Giants corner back Janoris Jenkins during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Brad Penner-USA TODAY
Sep 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins runs with the ball against New York Giants corner back Janoris Jenkins during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)Brad Penner-USA TODAY

Sep 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins runs with the ball against New York Giants corner back Janoris Jenkins during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

It appears that we may never see Austin Seferian-Jenkins in a Patriots uniform.

As first reported by ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots have informed Seferian-Jenkins that they are releasing him. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added that the veteran tight end is stepping away for "a month" to address "personal issues". That could leave open the possibility that he re-signs with New England when he's ready to return to football. (UPDATE: The Patriots made Seferian-Jenkins' release official.)

But for now, the Pats are left with a tight end depth chart consisting of Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo, and undrafted rookie Andrew Beck. And at that, Watson is going to serve a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing substances to start the season.

Either way, it appears that Seferian-Jenkins can't be counted on to be a factor this year, even if he ends up returning. Tight end will be one of the top positions to watch in camp due to the utter lack of certainty.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.