Patriots Roster Moves: Receiver Jalen Hurd Retires, Bears Ex Claimed

The New England Patriots placed receiver Jalen Hurd on the reserve/retired list, while claiming rookie Thyrick Pitts off waivers from the Chicago Bears.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots placed talented, yet injury-troubled receiver Jalen Hurd on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday, as the 27-year old has apparently called it a career.

Hurd signed with the Patriots on July 25, after visiting the team for a workout. During Sunday’s practice, he secured an athletic touchdown from backup quarterback Bailey Zappe on Sunday. However, he suffered an undisclosed injury on Monday, and did not participate in practice on Tuesday.

Hurd joined the NFL as the No. 67 pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. However injuries to his back, ACL and knee after spending each of his three seasons on injured reserve. He was released by the 49ers in November 2022, having never taken an NFL regular-season snap.

If Hurd had been able to put his injury woes behind him, his performance in college suggested that he would be a welcomed addition to the Pats receiving corps. A converted running back, Hurd had 946 receiving yards on 69 catches with a total of seven touchdowns (four receiving, three rushing) in 2018 for Baylor. At 6-5, 225 pounds and an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, he often showed upside as a goal line or deep threat due to his exceptional athleticism. 

Unfortunately, Hurd’s career appears to have come to a premature end. 

With Hurd’s roster spot available, the Patriots claimed receiver Thyrick Pitts off waivers from the Chicago Bears. Pitts signed with Chicago as an undrafted rookie free agent earlier this year. The 6-3, 200-pound receiver had 57 catches for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns for Delaware in his final collegiate season. 

He is expected to join the Patriots on Wednesday, when the team takes the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium for their seventh training camp practice. 

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