The Pats had to trim from 80 to 75 players (as did every other team in the league) yesterday and a couple surprising names were on the list. Let's take a look:

Kyle Eckel, RB
Eckel became something of a long-shot after the Pats signed Lamont Jordan. Couple that with the improved health of Sammy Morris and Eckel's spot became the least secure on the team. Still, it's a bit saddening to see him go. He was effective in minimal time last season (33 carries, 90 yards, 2 touchdowns) with his best performance coming in Week 11 (10 rushes for 40 yards, 1 rushing TD and 1 reception for 6 yards). He should catch on with another team or at least end up on the practice squad.

Jason Webster, CB
The most surprising of the three cuts, the Pats were hoping for more from Webster. It's hard to see have ever seen them wanting him to lock down one of the starting CB spots, but nickel and sub packages were well within reason. He hasn't played a full season in any of the past 5 years and it seems that injuries were the main issue for him this go 'round. According to Mike Reiss, the move "likely clears the way for rookie Jonathan Wilhite (fourth round) to earn a roster spot and potentially contribute in sub packages."

Ryan Wendell, OL
Wendell was brought in as an undrafted free agent. He was the biggest long-shot of the bunch and didn't have what you'd consider a "good chance" of making the roster at any point.

Other moves: G Stephen Neal was placed on the reserve/PUP list and will miss at least the first 6 weeks of the season. OT Ryan O'Callaghan was placed on injured reserve, hurting the team's already questionable depth on the o-line.