Tight end Kellen Winslow asked to be released by the Patriots and the team obliged Thursday, according to a source.
Winslow had signed a one-year contract with the Patriots on Sept. 19, the team's interest coming after tight end Aaron Hernandez sprained his ankle in a 20-18 loss to the Arizona Cardinals three days earlier. With Hernandez apparently healing faster than expected, Winslow's role on the team might have been affected in the coming weeks as he is a similar type of tight end.
Hernandez has yet to return to practice, but he was spotted in the locker room the last two days walking without the aid of crutches or a protective boot.