Dowling was released by the Jets on Sunday, ESPN New York reports. Dowling, who has finished both of his previous NFL seasons on injured reserve, dealt with foot and groin injuries during training camp. So even with the Jets sorely lacking at cornerback, Dowling has been cut loose to open opportunity elsewhere.

Dowling (groin) went through positional drills Tuesday, ESPN New York reports. Dowling injured his foot during the onset of training camp and has nursed a groin injury recently as well. While the cornerback was able to play in the Jets' opening preseason game, he was held out of their most recent outing against the Bengals. However, with New York currently sorting out a messy situation at cornerback, Dowling's return should help his chances of earning playing time.

The Jets have been impressed with CB Ras-I Dowling during OTAs. Dowling is currently working with the second-team defense, but will push for a role in sub-packages if Kyle Wilson continues to struggle. The Jets want to use Dimitri Patterson as their nickel slot corner, so one of Dowling, Darrin Walls, or Dexter McDougle could see snaps on the outside. Dowling has been a major disappointment since being the 33rd overall pick in 2011 and will need to have a healthy and productive camp to guarantee his roster spot.

Jets signed CB Ras-I Dowling to a reserve/future contract. Dowling has been a complete bust since the Patriots made him the 33rd overall pick in the 2011 draft, appearing in nine career games and enduring countless injuries. Rex Ryan is a master at getting the most out of defenders, however, and Dowling has ability. He will spend the offseason program as a Jet.

Jets signed CB Ras-I Dowling to their practice squad. The No. 33 pick of the 2011 draft, Dowling has been out of football since being waived by the Patriots this preseason. His addition is a sign that Dee Milliner could be in danger of missing Week 8 against the Bengals.

Free agent CBs Ras-I Dowling and Curtis Marsh worked out for the Jets on Tuesday.

Free agent CB Ras-I Dowling worked out for the Texans. It's Dowling's first known workout since getting cut by the Patriots in late-August. Texans starting corners Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson both did not practice Wednesday. Free agent CBs Jalil Brown and Myron Lewis also joined Dowling, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2011 draft, at the workout.

Former Patriots CB Ras-I Dowling passed through waivers unclaimed Thursday. The No. 33 overall pick in the 2011 draft is now a free agent. It's not surprising he went unclaimed, though some national media pundits are shocked simply because of his aforementioned draft status. Dowling was injury-prone at Virginia. That carried over into the pros. He played in just nine games for the Pats.

Patriots waived CB Ras-I Dowling. The No. 33 overall pick, Dowling was considered on the bubble going into camp, and didn't show enough to keep his roster spot. It's rare for a team to pull the plug on such a high draft pick after only two years, but Dowling left the Pats little choice. Injury prone in college, Dowling has lived up to his reputation in the pros, appearing in just nine of a possible 32 games. His play has been decidedly ordinary in the 176 snaps he's managed to take the field for. Dowling's draft pedigree could earn him a look on waivers, but it's possible he's already viewed as damaged goods.

ESPN Boston considers Patriots CB Ras-I Dowling on the roster bubble. Even with Alfonzo Dennard facing legal troubles, Dowling isn't considered a lock for the 53-man roster. The 33rd overall pick in 2011, Dowling has struggled with injuries and effectiveness in his first two seasons. He needs to put together a strong training camp to avoid being cut.