Former second-round WR signed to Patriots practice squad
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots made a handful of roster moves on Thursday, announced by the team, with wide receiver Devin Smith and defensive back Dayon Lake signed to the practice squad while linebacker Jack Cichy was released.
A second-round pick by the Jets back in 2015 after a collegiate career at the Ohio State, the speedster Smith caught nine passes for 115 yards and a touchdown as a rookie before tearing his ACL late in the season. After missing most of the next season while rehabbing, Smith tore his ACL again before 2017, and was ultimately released.
He then spent 2018 out of football before playing a reserve role for the Cowboys last year, while 2020 saw him spend two months on the Texans’ practice squad before being released in early November.
MORE: Patriots injury report for Thursday
Lake is an undrafted free agent rookie who spent training camp with the Rams but failed to make the initial roster.
The BYU product started 43 of his 48 career college games.
Given the new rules about temporary practice squad elevations – and the Patriots knack for making the most of those opportunities – it’s possible we could see either player, especially Smith, in game action before the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the team released linebacker Jack Cichy just a week after he was claimed off waivers.
A sixth-round pick in 2018, Cichy has been an effective yet often injured special teams contributor in his short NFL career. Still, he was released by Tampa Bay last Wednesday, and awarded to the Patriots on waivers. It seemed like a logical fit, but for now he’s no longer a part of the team. Of course, that can change as there are open practice squad spots.
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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
