The New England Patriots announced this afternoon that running back Michael Cloud was placed on the Reserve / Suspended by the NFL list, and 10 players were released, bringing the team's roster to the NFL's 53-man regular season limit. In addition, offensive lineman Bill Conaty was released from the Reserve / Injured list with an injury settlement.
Released were wide receiver Thabiti Davis, guard Russ Hochstein, nose tackle Ethan Kelley, offensive lineman Matt Knutson, safety Shawn Mayer, cornerback Leonard Myers, fullback Patrick Pass, guard Jamil Soriano, linebacker Maugaula Tuitele and wide receiver Dedric Ward.
The Patriots open the 2003 regular season against the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, N.Y. on Sept. 7.
The following players were released today to reduce the Patriots roster to the league limit—
Thabiti Davis
Russ Hochstein
Ethan Kelley
Matt Knutson
Shawn Mayer
Leonard Myers
Patrick Pass
Jamil Soriano
Maugaula Tuitele
Dedric Ward