By Glenn Naughton
The New York Jets have announced the release of practice squad wide receiver Walt Powell to make room for fellow receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.
In parts of three seasons with the Patriots and Raiders, Thompkins has amassed 53 catches for 728 yards and 4 touchdowns. Last season with the Raiders he also returned 3 punts for 43 yards.
The release of Powell will undoubtedly come as a surprise to some Jets fans who felt his preseason performance on special teams would have made him a candidate to help rejuvenate what has been a lackluster group in the early going of 2015.
Powell flashed excellent return ability, highlighted by a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Giants in Gang Green’s third preseason game but still didn’t do enough to convince Jets brass to add him to the active roster.
A former Cincinnati product, the 6′, 195 lb Thompkins is a long shot to see any reps in 2015 given the depth the Jets have at the position.