Patriots cut preseason standouts Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Tre Nixon

Patriots cut wideouts Humphrey and Nixon.

Receivers Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Tre Nixon were two of the standout players on offense for the New England Patriots in the preseason. But it still couldn’t save them from Tuesday’s axe, ahead of the NFL’s roster cut deadline.

The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan reported the news on Humphrey, while Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed had the news on Nixon.

Humphrey is a bit of a surprise considering his unique physical gifts. Sure, he’s listed as a receiver, but his size has him more in line with a tight end at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds.

There has been talk of the Patriots potentially using him in that role, too. It especially made sense with the team’s decision to cut both 2020 third-round draft picks Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi. And the team was already down a couple of receivers with rookie Tyquan Thornton out for up to eight weeks and Kristian Wilkerson dealing with a concussion.

Humphrey could have essentially checked both the tight end and receiver box in one for the Patriots.

Meanwhile, Nixon was spent the preseason making plays like this.

It’s so long to Humphrey and Nixon, but it may not be goodbye. Both players are still eligible to return to the Patriots’ practice squad.

[listicle id=126127]