Housler (undisclosed) was released by the Patriots with a failed physical designation Wednesday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature of Housler's injury isn't clear. His release leaves only James O'Shaughnessy and Matthew Lengel to square off for the Patriots' No. 3 tight end job behind Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen.

The Patriots have signed Housler to a reserve contract for 2017, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Martellus Bennett, Matt Lengel and Michael Williams all slated to become free agents this offseason, Housler provides the Patriots' organization with some TE depth behind Rob Gronkowski in advance of the 2017 campaign.

Housler will have his contract terminated, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Housler appeared to be in line to be the backup to Zach Miller (concussion) as the team's receiving tight end, but his unimpressive preseason ended that opportunity for the veteran. He'll hope to find work as a depth option.

Housler failed to catch either of his two pass targets Thursday against the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

With Zach Miller (concussion) and Tony Moeaki sitting this one out, Housler played as the Bears top receiving tight end. Other than a 51-yard reception earlier in the preseason, he was very quiet during his time on the field. He'll enter the season as third on the depth chart as the receiving tight end.

Housler caught his only pass target for 17 yards Saturday against the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Housler didn't see his target until the deep reserves were on the field in the fourth quarter. He currently appears to be behind Tony Moeaki for backup duties as the receiving duties behind starting tight end Zach Miller (concussion).

Housler caught one pass for 52 yards, and also caught a two-point conversion Thursday against the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Housler was a spectator in the game until starter, Tony Moeaki, left the contest with a hamstring injury. His long reception came against the Patriots' deep reserves, and on the play, two defenders ran into each other, allowing him to turn a moderate gain into a big one. During the regular season, he'll need a Zach Miller injury to see much in the way of playing time, though it's unlikely he'll find himself heavily targeted on a regular basis under just about any circumstance.

Housler has re-signed with the Bears on a one-year contract.

EDGE Analysis

Housler signed with the Bears in December of last year, paving the way for him to actually start Chicago's season finale in wake of injuries at tight end. While Martellus Bennett could depart Chicago this offseason, Zach Miller remains to block Housler's path to playing time in 2016.

Housler recorded four catches for 33 yards across 10 games with the Browns and Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Housler started the Bears' final game of the season with Martellus Bennett (ribs) and Zach Miller (toe) sitting out, recording two catches for 18 yards in the Week 17 loss. With both Bennett and Miller expected back for 2016, Housler will have a difficult time climbing higher than third on the depth chart at tight end if he ends up sticking around with the Bears in training camp.

Housler will start at tight end for the Bears in Sunday's matchup against the Lions, ESPN Chicago's Jeff Dickerson reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Zach Miller (toe) ruled out for the season finale, Housler will receive his first opportunity to see extended snaps. Still, given that he has just one catch in his previous three games with the Bears and rarely delivered strong production in previous season as a starter for the Cardinals, Housler isn't an attractive punt play option in daily formats.

Housler was signed by the Bears on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

With Martellus Bennett (ribs) placed on injured reserve, the Bears need some depth behind Zach Miller. Although he has apparently recovered from the hamstring injury he dealt with earlier this year, Housler is unlikely to have a key role in the passing game.