ESPN Boston suggests TE Daniel Fells is a candidate for release.

Fells is owed $1.25 million in base salary in 2013. We know the strict blocker will be behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and Michael Hoomanawanui is expected back as a restricted free agent as well. The Patriots also have Jake Ballard, who missed the entire season while recovering from knee surgeries.

Patriots declared TE Daniel Fells, DE Jake Bequette, OL Markus Zusevics, DB Malcolm Williams, WR Kamar Aiken, DB Derrick Martin, and OL Nick McDonald inactive for the Divisional round game versus the Texans.

Fells is no longer needed as a blocking specialist with Rob Gronkowski back to full health. The Patriots removed 15 players from their injury report on Friday, suggesting they are as healthy as they've been all season following the first-round bye.

Daniel Fells played a season-high 55-of-68 snaps versus the Jets in Week 12.

It's a reminder that Vinsanthe Shiancoe (9 snaps) and Michael Hoomanawanui (3 snaps) are never going to be fantasy options in New England. Fells, who finished with one catch for 24 yards, filled the Rob Gronkowski role in the Patriots offense.

Patriots TE Daniel Fells is working his way back from a leg injury.

According to ESPN Boston, TE Daniel Fells "was not spotted at all" in the Patriots' offseason program.

Fells isn't known to be hurt, so perhaps his absence was just a veteran courtesy. A blocker with decent hands, Fells' roster spot behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez should be secure provided he's healthy.

Patriots signed TE Daniel Fells to a three-year contract.

New England was Fells' only known visit. A former undrafted free agent, Fells spent the first three years of his career in St. Louis before signing with the Broncos last season. Primarily a blocker, he's made 88 catches in 58 career games. He'll be called on to block behind Rob Gronkowkski and Aaron Hernandez. Aside from potentially freeing up Hernandez from some of his blocking duties, Fells won't make a fantasy impact for the Patriots.

Free agent TE Daniel Fells to scheduled to visit with the Patriots Monday.

Broncos TE Daniel Fells has passed his post-concussion tests and is practicing Monday.

Fells sustained his concussion in last Thursday's win over the Jets. He has just 15 catches for 201 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games this season.

Broncos TE Daniel Fells sustained a concussion in Thursday's game against the Jets.

Daniel Fells caught three passes for 47 yards in Sunday's loss to the Chargers.

The majority of Fells' yardage came on a 31-yard completion with just seconds left on the clock. Fells has just 11 catches through five games as the Broncos head into their bye.