FOXBORO, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced that they have re-signed veteran running back Raymont Harris today. Subsequently, the team also announced that they have placed defensive tackle Brandon Mitchell, who was injured during Monday night's game against the Chiefs, on injured reserve. Additionally, the Patriots also made a move on their practice squad roster, replacing wide receiver Sean Morey with rookie linebacker Maugaula Tuitele.
Harris, 29, was signed by the Patriots on Feb. 14, 2000 and went to training camp with the Patriots this season. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry on nine rush attempts in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the preseason with 88 yards on 27 carries before being released on Aug. 27. He was signed by the Denver Broncos after Olandis Gary was placed on injured reserve and spent the first half of the 2000 season backing up Mike Anderson and Terrell Davis. He received limited playing time and rushed for 22 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 19 yards.
The fifth-year veteran was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1994 NFL draft. The 6-foot, 230-pound Ohio State product became a 1,000-yard rusher for the Bears in 1997. That year, he recorded career highs with 275 rushes for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a 68-yard touchdown run against the Green Bay Packers. He has had eight 100-yard games during his career. In five seasons, he has 681 carries for 2,495 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Mitchell, 25, started nine of 11 games this season and finished the season with 29 tackles and one pass defensed. The 6-foot-3-inch, 285-pound defensive tackle was originally drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 1997 NFL draft. In four seasons, he has started 26 of 46 games, compiled 120 tackles, including five sacks. He recorded career highs last season with 61 tackles including three sacks after starting every game.
Tuitele, 22, originally signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent following the 2000 NFL draft. The 6-foot-2-inch, 255-pound linebacker from Colorado State was released by the Patriots when the team trimmed their roster to 53 players on Aug. 27, 2000. He was re-signed on Nov. 22 and played at Detroit the next day, but was waived on Dec. 1, 2000.
