The Patriots released Bentley (pectoral) on Friday with a failed physical designation, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley stated in mid-March that he has received full medical clearance after missing most of the 2024 campaign due to a pectoral tear suffered Week 2, but being released with a failed physical designation is an indication that the veteran linebacker isn't back to full health yet. Now a free agent, Bentley may have to wait until he's able to demonstrate a readiness to return to on-field activities before finding his next landing spot.

Bentley (pectoral) announced Friday via his personal social media account that he is being released by the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley missed all but the first two games of the 2024 campaign due to a torn left pectoral muscle, though per Mike Reiss of ESPN, the veteran linebacker announced mid-March at a season-ticket member event that he has received full clearance. In three straight seasons from 2021-23, Bentley surpassed 100 total tackles and held down a consistent starting role for the Patriots. The 28-year-old will now work to find a new opportunity elsewhere in the league, ideally in a defensive scheme that can utilize his abilities as a run-stuffer.

Bentley (pectoral) recorded 12 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, over two games in 2024.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran linebacker from Purdue appeared in just two games this season, missing nearly all of the Patriots' 2024 campaign after sustaining a pectoral injury early into the team's Week 2 loss to the Seahawks. Bentley signed a two-year, $13.5 million extension to stay in New England last offseason, so he's expected to remain with the team in 2025. The 28-year-old has been extremely impactful when on the field, posting 114, 125, and 109 total tackles while missing just two regular-season games from 2021 to 2023. Bentley is expected to return to his starting inside linebacker spot and likely lead New England's defense in stops again in 2025.

Bentley (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley is in danger of missing the rest of the Patriots' 2024 campaign after sustaining a pectoral injury during the team's Week 2 loss to the Seahawks, so this move to IR comes as no surprise. The 28-year-old will now be forced to miss at least the next four games, with his earliest possible return coming in Week 8 when the Patriots play the Jets. Expect Raekwon McMillan to serve as one of New England's top inside linebackers while Bentley recovers.

Bentley (pectoral) will be placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley's injury details have been a bit of a mystery, with reports more than a week ago stating he'd likely be out for the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, after initial reports suggested he may miss no time at all. A move to IR would at least confirm he'll miss the team's next four games but still won't confirm whether he'll be out for the season.

The Patriots ruled out Bentley (shoulder) for Thursday's game against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

New England has yet to place Bentley on injured reserve, but sources familiar with his injury have told Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive.com that the linebacker is dealing with a torn left pectoral muscle, an injury that could spell an end to his season. The 28-year-old amassed a team-high 12 tackles in the Patriots' Week 1 win over the Bengals, but played just 10 snaps in last Sunday's overtime loss to Seattle before exiting with the injury. Raekwon McMillan is expected to replace Bentley in the lineup for at least Thursday's game, starting at inside linebacker alongside Jahlani Tavai.

Bentley (shoulder) may be in danger of missing the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley left in the first half of Sunday's overtime loss to the Seahawks due to a left shoulder injury and was ruled out after halftime. Earlier Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported that the Patriots were optimistic about Bentley suiting up Thursday at the Jets, but the tide seemingly has turned since then. First, Bentley was listed as a non-participant on New England's first Week 3 injury report, which was an estimate because the team didn't practice Monday. Following Rapoport's report, Bentley now may be unavailable for the rest of the campaign. Coach Jerod Mayo and/or the Pats likely will provide clarity regarding Bentley's health in the near future.

Bentley (shoulder) was estimated as a non-participant on Monday's practice report.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley exited Sunday's loss to the Seahawks with the injury and was unable to return. According to a previous report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, the Patriots are optimistic the veteran linebacker will be ready to suit up Thursday, so his estimated DNP on Monday may not be worth reading into. It's likely Bentley will be a game-time decision against the Jets.

The Patriots are optimistic that Bentley (shoulder) will play in Thursday night's contest against the Jets, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley sustained a shoulder injury during the first quarter of the Patriots' Week 2 loss and didn't return. However, it now appears that the 28-year-old's injury isn't serious, and he could very well play Thursday night. Bentley's return would be significant for the Patriots' divisional matchup with the Jets in Week 3, as he racked up 12 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, during New England's Week 1 upset over the Bengals.

Bentley (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bentley exited in the first quarter and will not return as the second half gets underway. The Purdue product's exit will continue to lead to increased opportunities for Jahlani Tavai.