Lil' Jordan Humphrey was released by the Patriots on Tuesday, but don't be surprised if he winds up back on the practice squad if he clears waivers. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced Tuesday that they released WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey from the 53-man roster. In addition, the Patriots released OL Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad.

Humphrey, 24, began the 2022 season on the practice squad, and it’s possible he could wind up there again if he clears waivers. When rookie Tyquan Thornton was activated off injured reserve last week, it made Humphrey vulnerable. The Patriots did play with Lions with six receivers on the roster.

Humphrey was elevated to the active roster for the season-opener and then was signed to the 53-man roster on Sept. 13. Humphrey has played in five games with two starts for the Patriots in 2022 and caught two passes for 20 yards. He was signed by New England as a free agent on June 16 and was the team’s leading receiver during the preseason.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder originally signed with the New Orleans Saints as a rookie free agent out of Texas in 2019. Humphrey has played in 23 regular season games with eight starts and has accumulated 18 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He has also played in two postseason games with one reception for 14 yards.

Gutierrez, 24, was signed by New England to the practice squad on Oct. 5, 2021. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder was originally signed by Denver as a rookie free agent out of Minot State on May 13, 2022 and was released on Aug. 29. He appeared in 42 games with 35 starts during his four-year collegiate career. He originally entered college as tight end in 2017 before transitioning to the offensive line in 2018.