New England Patriots defensive end Markell Carter has been informed of his release by the Patriots, a source tells ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

Carter was a sixth-round selection in the 2011 draft, and was entering his second season in New England.

The Central Arkansas product spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad, and received a late-season salary boost that paid him more than three times the practice squad minimum salary. He also was honored a team-high seven times as the Patriots' practice player of the week.

As a player with less than four credited seasons, Carter is subject to waivers.