The life of an NFL specialist is not for the faint of heart. One missed kick, one fumble, or even one poorly timed injury can mean your roster spot is forfeit. The latter situation led to former Michigan State football punter Bryce Baringer being released by the New England Patriots on Monday. Baringer was released by the Patriots after starting the year on the Injured Reserve list.

While Baringer is reportedly fully healthy now, the Patriots had replaced him with former Ray Guy Award winner Mitch Wishnowsky, who has had a nice year for the Patriots. Nice enough, in fact, that the Patriots apparently felt comfortable keeping him in that role and moving off of Baringer, who was considered a strong punter during his tenure in New England.

It's a tough break for Baringer, but it would be surprising if he isn't able to find another opportunity elsewhere.