Wright End

The end of a player's career is often without ceremony in the NFL. It's usually just a press release by the team summarizing their career in a few sentences. We saw that today when the Pats released OL Rich Ohrnberger and DL Mike Wright. Both were the victims of concussions last season.

Ohrnberger was drafted by the Pats in the 4th round of the 2009 draft. He was stricken by the injury bug, only playing in five games over a three year period. He was placed on IR last season on Sept 3rd because of a concussion.

Wright was a great story after making the roster in 2005 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Cincinnati. He missed the last six games of the 2010 season because of multiple concussions.

There was much speculation whether he would return for 2011. He played the opener against Miami, but suffered another concussion. He was inactive the next four games before being placed on IR. His career with the Pats ended after playing in 81 games.

It doesn't look well for either player. They are both young and have good years left, but they will be tossed onto the scrap heap of players with concussions. They will be replaced by someone who is probably at the NFL Scouting Combine or a journeyman.

Everyone gets replaced at some point. It doesn't matter who you are.