Patriots release Matthews after conflicting reports of future with team

The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Jordan Matthews, the team announced Wednesday.

The official announcement comes after it was initially reported earlier in the day that Matthews was to be released, before NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the pass-catcher would instead be placed on injured reserve with the possibility that the two parties would later come to an injury settlement.

Patriots signed Matthews to a one-year, $1-million contract in April, but his brief time was ended after he reportedly suffered a significant hamstring injury during Sunday's practice.

Matthews caught 25 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown for the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He spent the three previous seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the second round in 2014.