Ellington (undisclosed), who was cut by the Patriots earlier Wednesday, was released with an injury designation, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not clear what Ellington is dealing with. If we had to guess, it likely has something to do with the persistent hamstring woes he's dealt with over his career. After all, the receiver had part of his hamstring removed after tearing it in 2016 and has now ended each of the past three seasons on IR with the injury.

Ellington was released by the Patriots on Wednesday, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not clear why Ellington is being let go, but it's possible his dismissal was an effort to create a roster spot for a young or undrafted player that has tried out for New England in recent days. The Patriots have also added first-round rookie receiver N'Keal Harry, veteran Demaryius Thomas (Achilles) and Maurice Harris since originally signing Ellington in March. Ellington should have a solid chance of landing another contract before training camps start up.

Ellington's one-year, $895,000 deal with the Patriots includes $25,000 guaranteed, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Once the Patriots were outbid for slot man Adam Humphries, they turned to lower-cost flyers on Ellington and Maurice Harris ($90,000 guaranteed). Ellington, who the 49ers took in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, hauled in 31 passes for 224 yards and a TD in seven 2018 games (four with the Lions and three with the Texans). If the 5-foot-9, 200-pounder can stay healthy, he can push for a slot role behind Julian Edelman, as well as potentially help out in the return game. Given the terms of his new deal, Ellington isn't a lock to make the team, but his experience playing under Bill O'Brien with Houston and Matt Patricia with Detroit (a pair of coaches with previous ties to the Patriots) should give the 27-year-old a bit of a leg up in terms of familiarity with his new team's system.

Ellington (hamstring) is signing a one-year deal with the Patriots, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Patriots are plenty familiar with Ellington's game considering the Super Bowl champs played the receiver's team three times over the course of the past two seasons -- and the slot receiver snagged 12 passes for 189 yards and two scores in those games. However, it's not clear if this same sort of role awaits him in New England given the presence of slot maven Julian Edelman. Perhaps he could win a job as an outside receiver if not for anything but the Patriots' lack of options at wideout, but it's also possible Ellington was signed primarily to return punts and kickoffs.

Ellington (hamstring) was released by the Lions on Friday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington caught on with Detroit late in the 2018 season, catching 23 of 30 targets for 132 yards in four games before a hamstring injury sent him to injured reserve. He's proven to be a competent slot receiver on a few different occasions, but persistent hamstring issues have kept him off the field for most of his pro career. Regardless of where he ends up, Ellington figures to enter training camp on the roster bubble.

Ellington (hamstring) can become an unrestricted free agent in March, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 2014 fourth-round pick has bounced from San Francisco to Houston to Detroit, seemingly losing jobs because of his persistent hamstring injuries rather than his performance. Ellington said he wants to return to Detroit after catching 23 of 30 targets for 132 yards in four games with the Lions late in the 2018 campaign. He doesn't figure to command a particularly large contract, given that he finished the season on injured reserve with yet another hammy injury. Ellington will turn 28 in August and hasn't shown much ability to contribute outside of the slot.

Ellington (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, which was set to be his second straight absence. The 27-year-old was a limited practice participant both weeks, making the move somewhat surprising. Regardless, Ellington will finish the 2018 season with 31 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown over seven games between the Texans and Lions. Chris Lacy was signed to bolster Detroit's depth at wide receiver, though Andy Jones should again be the biggest benefactor of his absence.

Ellington (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

For the second week in a row, Ellington will be sidelined after following a limited practice regimen Wednesday through Friday. Considering the wideout's extensive history of hamstring issues, he'll likely need to advance to full participation at some point next week in order to gain clearance for the season finale against the Packers. His absence for another contest should open up more work in the passing game for Andy Jones, who hauled in both of his targets for nine yards and scored his first career touchdown in Week 15 against the Bills.

Ellington (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington spent time on the Texans' injured reserve list earlier this season due to the hamstring and sat out the Week 15 loss to the Bills with the same injury, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Lions restricted his practice reps the rest of the way. That leaves the slot wideout's status uncertain for Sunday's game against the Vikings, potentially creating an opening for Andy Jones to see an elevated role on offense for another week.

Ellington (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington took a step forward after failing to practice in any capacity last week, but it's still hard to have confidence once his history of hamstring injuries is accounted for. The 27-year-old slot receiver does at least seem to have some shot at returning for Sunday's game against the Vikings.