According to CSN New England's Tom Curran, free agent DT Mike Wright "appears to be done as an NFL player." Wright's concussion symptoms never did subside after his latest in Week 1 of the 2011 season, and the Patriots placed him on I.R. four weeks later. He was released on February 22 after failing his physical. If Wright's career is over, he'll finish with 15 career sacks and 101 tackles in 81 games (22 starts).

Former Patriots DT Mike Wright and G/C Rich Ohrnberger were reportedly released due to failed physicals. Wright is now a free agent while Ohrnberger must pass through waivers. Wright ended the past two seasons on injured reserve following concussions, while Ohrnberger missed all of 2011 with a "head" injury. Wright is considering retirement, but a 2009 fourth-round pick, Ohrnberger could draw interest on the open market once he's healthy.

Patriots released DT Mike Wright and G/C Rich Ohrnberger. Ohrnberger was actually waived and will be subject to the waivers process. Wright, 30, ended the last two seasons on injured reserve with concussions and is contemplating retirement. His release saves the Patriots $2.355 million in base salary. A once-valuable interior pass rusher, Wright led New England in sacks in 2010 with 5.5. He only made it into one game in 2011.

ESPN Boston believes Patriots DT Mike Wright could be a candidate for release. Although he's due just $2.35 million in 2012, Wright is almost certain to be cut loose after having each of his past two seasons cut short by concussions. Four months shy of his 30th birthday, Wright said in October he was contemplating retirement.

Patriots DT Mike Wright (concussion, injured reserve) is optimistic he will be able to play again despite having two straight seasons cut short by concussions. "It's unfortunate, but at the same time a good thing that it wasn't worse than what it is," Wright said. "Talking with my doctor today and looking at MRIs, things can be so much worse than they are and I'm very, very, very fortunate to catch this where we've got it." Entering an offseason where he will turn 30, Wright won't make an official decision on his playing future until the 2011 season has ended.

Patriots placed DT Mike Wright (concussion) on injured reserve, ending his season. It's a horrible sign for a player who also missed the final two months of last season with lasting concussion symptoms, but the Patriots had no choice to play it conservatively. A valuable rotational tackle for the Pats, Wright's NFL career is now in question with one season left on his contract.

Patriots DT Mike Wright suffered a concussion in the team's Week 1 loss to Miami. Wright missed six games and the playoffs with a 2010 concussion, so this is a big concern for the Pats. He led the team in sacks last season. Concussions can become increasingly severe when players are repeatedly concussed, so we wouldn't expect Wright in the lineup for awhile. He certainly won't play in Week 2.