The New York Jets have released safety Antonio Allen to open up a roster spot for veteran receiver Jason Hill, who was with the team earlier this season.

Hill, a sixth-year wide receiver from Washington State, has played in three games this year for New York, catching two passes, one for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. He notably dropped a pass that would have gone for a huge gain from Tim Tebow earlier in the season. The former third-round pick will be the team's fifth wide receiver in an injury-riddled corps.

Allen, who was the team's seventh-round pick this year out of South Carolina, was promoted from the practice squad on Oct. 12 and recorded a sack in his first game. He had played in the last three games, also adding a key fumble recovery on a late kickoff return against the New England Patriots. The move could indicate that Eric Smith is nearing a return from injury. Allen will probably be re-signed to the team's practice squad if he's able to clear waivers.