The Patriots have released OLB-DE Derrick Burgess, whom many thought would start this season, as well as special-teams standout Sam Aiken.

Burgess, 32, didn't report to the start of training camp and was mulling retirement. But he reported and was instantly inserted into the starting lineup in the preseason.

But after the fourth preseason game, when the Giants had success running right at Burgess, the Patriots decided to move on. He also struggled to generate any kind of pass rush in preseason play.

The move might have been made with the idea that second-round OLB Jermaine Cunningham appears set to play Week One after missing the final three preseason games with an injury.

Aiken had been the team's special-teams captain and was vying for the final WR spot on the roster.

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