Patriots release Seferian-Jenkins for reported personal leave

The New England Patriots released tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins on Tuesday, nearly two months after signing him

The defending Super Bowl champions released the 26-year-old to allow him to take a month away for personal reasons, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Seferian-Jenkins has yet to play a full 16-game campaign over his five seasons in the league. He played in five games with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, recording 11 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. He set career highs in each receiving category with 21 catches, 338 yards, and four touchdowns in seven games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.

With the release, New England lacks depth at tight end. Presumed starter Benjamin Watson will serve a suspension through the first four games of 2019 and inexperienced veterans Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo, and Stephen Anderson follow him on the depth chart.