Roster

New England signed DB Sterling Moore from its practice squad Saturday before its Week 6 matchup against Dallas. The Patriots released DT Marcus Harrison to clear space on the 53-man roster for Moore.

The Patriots made some roster moves on Wednesday. They added LB Niko Koutouvides and DB Sterling Moore to the 53-man roster, while putting DB Josh Barrett on injured reserve with a calf injury.

Calf - IR. Out for the season

The Patriots moved up twice in the 2012 NFL Draft, spending the No. 25 pick on Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower, their second first-round pick. Hightower, who is 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, played for Bill Belichick pal Nick Saban on Alabama teams that won the NCAA championship twice in the past three years. He was a leader of the unit that led the nation in rushing defense, allowing 72 yards per game, and total defense (183 yards per game). Hightower, 22, was a finalist for the Bednarik, Butkus and Lombardi awards and a first-team All-America selection with 40 tackles and 45 assists to go with four sacks as a senior last year. "Hightower's been in a great program for a great coach, won a couple of national championships, been the signal-caller for that defense," Belichick said. "He played middle linebacker, inside linebacker off the line for Alabama in their base defense and nickel, but he also played defensive end in their nickel, opposite (Courtney) Upshaw. He rarely came off the field, defensively."

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts trimmed their roster on Sunday on the way to getting to the final 53. Among the cuts were RB Devin Moore, S Chip Vaughn and QB Mike Hartline. The team also waived/injured LB Cody Glenn and S Mike Newton.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the former Colts first-round draft pick, signed with the Patriots as a free agent Saturday. Gonzalez caught 94 passes for 1,240 yards and seven touchdowns over his first two seasons but was limited to 11 games and five receptions due to injuries over the past three years.

After a busy game in the AFC Championship, Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski didn’t have much to do in the Super Bowl, kicking just two extra points and a second-quarter 29-yard field goal as New England lost to the Giants 21-17.

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

Patriots LB Brandon Spikes posted on Twitter that he was undergoing surgery on Tuesday. Though he didn't give any clarification on what the surgery was for, speculation is that it was to clean up his knee. He had a sprained MCL during the year.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

The Boston Herald reports that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is 10 weeks removed from ankle surgery, is walking without a limp. Gronkowski said he has been at the Patriots offseason program doing core work, and he does not have a boot on his ankle.

Ankle - Probable for start of 2012 training camp

Patriots rookie QB Ryan Mallett was the team's No. 2 QB in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars with Tom Brady sitting out, and he impressed when he took over. He played the majority of the second half and engineered some scoring drives. Mallett completed 12 of 19 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown in the blowout win.

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

The Patriots have signed former Colts running back Joseph Addai, the team confirmed Thursday. He's expected to provide depth at the position with second-year backs Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and veteran Danny Woodhead. Addai, a 2006 first-round pick, averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season and was released by the Colts in March.

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

The Patriots have officially re-signed wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, announcing the move on Monday. Gaffney was released by the Redskins last week after posting career-bests in catches (68) and yards (947) in 2011 with five scores (which tied a career-high). Fifty of those 68 catches went for first downs or touchdowns.

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

The Patriots made some roster moves on Wednesday. They added LB Niko Koutouvides and DB Sterling Moore to the 53-man roster, while putting DB Josh Barrett on injured reserve with a calf injury.

The Patriots announced Thursday that WR Tiquan Underwood has been re-signed to the 53-man roster and that rookie LB Jeff Tarpinian has been placed on injured reserve with a head injury. In addition, S Ross Ventrone has been signed to the practice squad and DB Josh Victorian has been released from the practice squad.

Illness - IR. Out for the season

The Patriots' Devin McCourty is likely to move to safety next to Patrick Chung, according to the Boston Globe.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman did not record any catches in Week 11 against the Chiefs but he was able to make a big play on special teams. In the third quarter, he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown. It was his first score of the season. Edelman totaled 81 yards on two returns in the 34-3 win.

The Patriots released LB Vinny Ciurciu, WR Robert Ortiz, DB Roderick Rogers, QB Andrew Walter and DL Stephen Williams on Friday.

The Patriots have come to a two-year agreement with former Broncos linebacker/fullback Spencer Larsen, according to a league source. He played for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Denver. Terms were not immediately known.

The Patriots have signed former Colts running back Joseph Addai, the team confirmed Thursday. Terms were not disclosed. Addai, 29, was one of three veterans -- Ryan Grant (Packers) and Tim Hightower (Redskins) were the others -- to visit the team recently. The Patriots needed a veteran to aid second-year players Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen after BenJarvus Green-Ellis signed with the Bengals. Addai, a 2006 first-round pick, averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season and was released by the Colts in March.

The Patriots took Northwestern wide receiver Jeremy Ebert with their final pick in the seventh round of the draft. At 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds, Ebert ran a 4.41 this spring and is in the same mold as Wes Welker and Julian Edelman -- good, tough slot receivers with quickness. Ebert also has special teams ability and that will help his chances at making the team.

Patriots DB Patrick Chung, who had missed seven straight game because of a foot injury, is active for Week 17 against the Bills. He was limited in practice leading up to the game because of the injury.

Chargers DB Steve Gregory picked off Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. He also led his team with seven solo tackles in the 37-10 win.

The Patriots' success with tight ends was a hallmark of their run to the Super Bowl. Now, New England has another weapon to work with. The Sports Xchange cites multiple outlets reporting Monday that the Patriots would sign former Broncos tight end Daniel Fells to a three-year contract worth up to $7 million. Fells, who will turn 29 this fall, caught 19 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns this past season, averaging a career best 13.5 yards per reception. He was fifth on the team in receiving yards.

The Patriots have signed former Colts running back Joseph Addai, the team confirmed Thursday. He's expected to provide depth at the position with second-year backs Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and veteran Danny Woodhead. Addai, a 2006 first-round pick, averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season and was released by the Colts in March.

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

Cowboys RB Tony Fiammetta was re-signed on Tuesday after being waived last week.

Patriots WR Matthew Slater did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 1 against the Dolphins but he made his one catch count. He caught a 46 yards pass from QB Tom Brady in the 38-24 win. Slater was targeted two times.

Patriots DB Sterling Moore, who had been a non-factor on defense virtually all season, came through with two interceptions Week 17 against the Bills, returning one 21 yards for a touchdown. He had only one tackle in the contest, however.

New England DB Sergio Brown netted seven tackles and an interception during the Patriots' 35-21 victory over San Diego in Week 2 on Sunday. Brown picked off Chargers QB Philip Rivers in the third quarter for his first career interception. "That was my first interception since high school," Brown told ESPN.com. "Really -- high school. I was so in the moment that I really don't remember what I did after the interception."

The Patriots re-signed wide receiver Deion Branch, making their receiving corps even deeper than it already is. In addition to Branch, the Patriots franchised Wes Welker and signed Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez. Matt Slater was also re-signed and Chad Ochocinco is on the roster. That's all in addition to their prime tight ends -- Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez -- being on staff. Branch signed a one-year deal.

The Patriots announced Monday the signing of two free agents: defensive end Trevor Scott from the Raiders and cornerback Marquice Cole from the Jets. Scott, Oakland's sixth-round draft choice out of Buffalo in 2008, had 13.5 sacks in 58 games, including 16 starts, in four seasons with the Raiders. Cole, who spent the past three seasons with the Jets, was undrafted coming out of Northwestern in 2007. He signed as a rookie free agent with Oakland, then moved on to Tennessee and New Orleans. In 37 games, including one start, he has two interceptions, including a 35-yard touchdown return.

Patriots DB Kyle Arrington, who has been limited by a foot injury over the last few weeks, is active for Week 17 against the Bills. Arrington has yet to miss a game because of the injury.

The Patriots placed DL Myron Pryor on injured reserve Wednesday because of a shoulder injury.

Shoulder - IR. Out for the season

The Boston Globe and Boston Herald report that receiver Wes Welker may have done himself a disservice in contract negotiations with the Patriots on Thursday when he spoke publicly about the progress - or lack thereof - in recent talks. “There have been talks, but nothing that’s brightened anything at all," Welker said. “It’s actually gotten worse." Welker explained that “worse" means the Patriots’ offer is now less than the two-year, fully guaranteed $16 million the team proposed during the 2011 regular season. Welker’s agents came to Foxborough earlier this week in an attempt to move negotiations along, but things apparently did not go well. Shortly thereafter, Welker signed his franchise tag, calling it a “leap of faith," and then aired his frustrations Thursday. According to a team source, Welker’s decision to go public in recent weeks about negotiations has not gone over well with the Patriots. His words have only increased the chances that 2012 will be his final season with the team.

Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco appeared to pick up where he left off last season during OTA drills on Thursday. The veteran receiver had to be told where to line up by Deion Branch, then had to run a lap after going offsides on a play. Ochocinco had 15 catches for 276 yards with one touchdown in 2011.

Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer signed his second-round tender and will make $1.92 million this season. There wasn't much of a market for an offer sheet at that level, and the Patriots think too highly of Hoyer to let him part in a trade for a lower pick.

The Patriots announced on Saturday that DL Ron Brace has been activated to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list. Brace was placed on the PUP list back on Sept. 3 with an elbow injury.

The Patriots have signed former Colts running back Joseph Addai, the team confirmed Thursday. He's expected to provide depth at the position with second-year backs Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and veteran Danny Woodhead. Addai, a 2006 first-round pick, averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season and was released by the Colts in March.

The Patriots have released DB Mark Dillard from their practice squad.

The Patriots moved up in the first round to take Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones at 21st overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Jones, 22, was an All-Big East selection as a senior who had 38 tackles, 30 of them solo, and led the team with 4.5 sacks. He was the conference's defensive player of the week after recording six solo tackles, including two sacks for a loss of 19 yards, against West Virginia on Oct. 21. Jones only had 10 sacks in his Syracuse career before leaving after his junior season -- having missed five games last fall with a knee injury -- many believe he has the potential to develop into one of the best defensive players from the 2012 draft class. Jones' brother is Jon "Bones" Jones, a mixed martial arts fighter. Another brother, Arthur, is a defensive end for the Ravens.

The Patriots released defensive lineman Mike Wright.

The Patriots announced on Monday that they shed several players en route to figuring out the final 53 men who will be on the regular-season roster. Among the casualties were DBs James Sanders, Jonathan Wilhite and Malcolm Williams, tight end Garrett Mills, offensive lineman Mark Wetterer, defensive linemen Kade Weston and Clay Nurse, wide receivers Tyree Barnes and Darnell Jenkins and kicker Chris Koepplin.

The Patriots released DB Malcolm Williams, who has bounced back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster since being picked in the seventh round this year. The Patriots now have an open roster spot heading into Sunday's showdown against the Broncos.

The New England Patriots announced that rookie free agent LB Christian Cox has been placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.

Neck - IR. Out for the season

New England added DL Alex Silvestro to the active roster on Friday in preparation for Week 16 against Miami. Silvestro has spent the entire season on the Patriots' practice squad.

New England DL Vince Wilfork recovered a Rex Grossman fumble in the end zone in the first quarter of Sunday's Week 14 win at Washington. Wilfork fell on the ball on the ground and recovered for a touchdown for the Patriots to make the score 7-0. Wilfork finished the game with four tackles and one went for a loss.

With fellow TE Rob Gronkowski limited with an ankle injury, the Patriots needed Aaron Hernandez to step up in the Super Bowl. Hernandez did his piece for the most part, as he led the team with eight catches and 67 yards and a third-quarter touchdown that put the team up by two scores. However he did have a costly drop on the final drive of the game, as the Patriots tried to come back from four-point deficit. They would wind up losing 21-17, as a Hail Mary attempt in the final seconds intended for Hernandez was batted down in the end zone.

Patriots LB Dane Fletcher was injured in the second quarter of Thursday's preseason game against the Buccaneers. He sustained a thumb injury and was not expected to return. Fletcher had one tackle before the early exit.

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

The Patriots released eight players on Friday in anticipation of Saturday's roster deadline. The Patriots released veteran LB Ricky Brown, OL Jonathan Compas and DL Darryl Richard; first-year players TE Carson Butler and WR Buddy Farnham and rookie free agents OL Mike Berry, RB Richard Medlin and OL Corey Woods

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

The Patriots announced Monday the signing of two free agents: defensive end Trevor Scott from the Raiders and cornerback Marquice Cole from the Jets. Scott, Oakland's sixth-round draft choice out of Buffalo in 2008, had 13.5 sacks in 58 games, including 16 starts, in four seasons with the Raiders. Cole, who spent the past three seasons with the Jets, was undrafted coming out of Northwestern in 2007. He signed as a rookie free agent with Oakland, then moved on to Tennessee and New Orleans. In 37 games, including one start, he has two interceptions, including a 35-yard touchdown return.

New England DL Brandon Deaderick recorded a sack on Sunday of Week 14 in a win at Washington. Deaderick recorded five tackles in the game and four of them were solo.

New England announced Saturday the club re-signed DB Brandon McGowan and LB Tracy White. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed. McGowan, 27, signed with the Patriots in 2009 after four seasons with Chicago (2005-2008). He missed all of 2010 with a chest injury.

With the additions of Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez, along with Wes Welker being franchised and Deion Branch and Matt Slater getting re-signed, not to mention tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez on staff, the Patriots have given Tom Brady plenty of receiving threats to work with in 2012. Brady posted a career-high 5,235 yards passing with 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season.

Shoulder - Probable for start of 2012 training camp

New England placed DB Ras-I Dowling on season-ending injured reserve Saturday with a troublesome hip injury. Dowling left the Patriots' game in Week 2 against San Diego and has not played since with the issue. New England also activated DL Brandon Deaderick and RB Kevin Faulk from the PUP list.

Hip - IR. Out for the season

The Patriots signed LB Markell Carter, WR Britt Davis, DE Aaron Lavarias, LB Mike Rivera, WR Tiquan Underwood and DB Ross Ventrone to future contracts.

The Patriots signed cornerback Will Allen on Wednesday night. Allen, 33, played 10 seasons with the New York Giants (2001-05) and Miami Dolphins (2006-11). He was a 2001 Giants first-round draft pick out of Syracuse. Last season with Miami, Allen played in 15 games with six starts.

The Patriots announced they have signed veteran linebacker Bobby Carpenter (formerly with the Lions). He'll likely provide depth at inside linebacker where the Patriots are thin behind Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo.

As anticipated, the Patriots re-signed DL Gerard Warren on Wednesday. He had been cut by the team in the preseason.

The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices.

New England LB Jerod Mayo had a monster tackling performance in the winning effort over the Dolphins on Saturday of Week 16. Mayo recorded 13 tackles and two sacks in the performance as he took down Miami QB Matt Moore repeatedly.

The Patriots announced a free-agent deal with defensive end Jonathan Fanene. Fanene, 30, is a veteran of seven NFL seasons, all with Cincinnati.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press Monday that wide receiver Donte' Stallworth has agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Patriots. Stallworth spent one season with the Patriots in 2007 when they went 18-0 before losing the Super Bowl to the New York Giants. He had 46 catches during the regular season. Since then he had 17 receptions with Cleveland in 2008, was suspended for the 2009 season, then caught two passes with Baltimore in 2010 and 22 with Washington last year.

New England has placed DL Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring) on injured reserve on Saturday. The Patriots brought back DE Eric Moore.

Hamstring - IR. Out for the season

Patriots LB Rob Ninkovich, who was limited in practice leading up to the game because of a hip injury, is active for Week 17 against the Bills. He currently has 6 1/2 sacks on the season after recording one in five of his last six games.