Tuesday is an off day in the NFL, but the Patriots still made some news by announcing the return of fullback Fred McCrary and the release of safety Aric Morris.
McCrary, who was released Saturday to make room for running back Michael Cloud, was out of work for just a couple of days. He battled knee and hamstring injuries during his first season in New England and was inactive in Weeks Three and Four before being released prior to the Titans game Sunday.
McCrary was listed as doubtful for the Tennessee game but indicated during the week he was healthy enough to play. But with Kevin Faulk's leg injury forcing him out of action Sunday, Head Coach Bill Belichick needed Cloud in the lineup so McCrary was released to clear the requisite roster spot.
Cloud had just completed his four-week NFL suspension for a substance abuse violation and was granted a one-week roster exemption, which allowed him to practice without being part of the team's official 53-man roster. When Faulk couldn't go against the Titans, Belichick opted to activate Cloud, who wound up playing an instrumental role with 73 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-30 win.
Morris has been battling injury problems during his time with the Patriots, also his first in New England. Belichick mentioned him specifically during his Monday press conference, indicating that the former Titans safety has a foot injury that the team is monitoring.
After being inactive for the opener in Buffalo, Morris saw most of his action on special teams, where he had eight tackles between Weeks Two-Four. The injuries relegated him to the sideline for most of the Titans game and he did not appear on the stat sheet.
