The New England Patriots released running back Joseph Addai on Wednesday, one day before the team's first training camp practice.

Addai had failed the team physical, a league source told ESPNBoston.com Patriots contributor Field Yates.

The move comes as a mild surprise, with Addai signing a one-year contract in May that included a $75,000 signing bonus and $50,000 workout bonus. His veteran presence had been lauded by some of the team's younger backs in spring camps.

When asked about Addai's release on Thursday, coach Bill Belichick said simply, "It didn't work out."