Did IR Activation Crunch Force Patriots to Release Punter Bryce Baringer? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bryce Baringer is finally healthy, but he won't be handling punting duties for the Patriots anytime soon.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that New England is releasing Baringer, who had served as the team's punter over the previous three seasons. The Patriots selected Baringer in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he averaged 47.9 yards per punt in 51 games.
Baringer was expected to remain the primary punter in 2026, but he began the season on injured reserve after suffering an injury during a preseason game. Veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky replaced Baringer, posting 47.1 yards per punt through New England's first seven games.
The Patriots' decision to release Baringer may have come down to the team's limitations on IR activations. Each NFL team can designate up to eight players to return from injured reserve during the regular season, and Mike Vrabel's squad has already been hit with injuries to several key players, including wide receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins.
New England hasn't even reached the halfway point in the 2026 campaign, so it might need those activations down the road. Wishnowsky has been reliable, and unfortunately for Baringer, that meant the Pats could afford to lose him.
Bryce Baringer career stats
| Year | GP | Punts | Yards | Yards/Punt | Net yards/punt |
| 2023 | 17 | 98 | 4,598 | 46.9 | 40.8 |
| 2024 | 17 | 70 | 2,908 | 49.8 | 41.5 |
| 2025 | 17 | 51 | 2,071 | 47.4 | 40.6 |
| Career | 51 | 219 | 10,500 | 47.9 | 41.0 |