FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have released tight end Neal Sterling, opening a roster spot for the team to re-sign running back Bilal Powell.

Sterling spent most of the past two seasons with the Jets, catching 12 passes for 129 yards in a backup role. He played in only five games last season because of a concussion that landed him on season-ending injured reserve in November.

Sterling played his first two NFL seasons with Jacksonville, which drafted him in the seventh round out of Monmouth in 2015. He also had a brief stint with Kansas City.

The Jets needed a spot after agreeing to terms last Friday with Powell, who has played all eight of his NFL seasons with New York. He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Louisville in 2011 and is the franchise's 10th-leading rusher.

A neck injury and subsequent surgery to repair a bulging disk cut short his season last year. He was a free agent, but worked out for the Jets last week and re-signed with them.

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