It looks like Tully Banta-Cain wasn’t the only Patriots player to re-sign with the team just hours after they cut him.
Linebacker Eric Alexander was at practice Tuesday, indicating that he’s back on the roster. Alexander was cut in a possible procedural maneuver which may allow the Patriots to sign him to a contract extension.
Receiver Brandon Tate and tackle Mark LeVoir, who have been on the physically unable to perform list, were also at practice.
Also in attendance was linebacker Adalius Thomas, who was a surprise healthy scratch last week. Conspiracy theorists in Boston have wondered if the Patriots didn’t play Thomas to prevent him from injury before a possible trade, but that theory never made much sense. (The Patriots would take a huge cap hit and who would trade for him?)
Thomas’ presence at practice would seem to indicate that he’s not going anywhere.
We’ll find out soon enough. The trading deadline is 15 minutes away.
Well, there you have it. We’re back to 53 men. So all the crazy rumors can officially end. If Tate and LeVoir were at practice, that means they have officially been activated, because it would be illegal for them to practice if they were still in reserves.
Long story, short: Galloway and Matthews, out; Tate and Levoir, in; Banta-Cain and Alexander, contract adjustments. Done and done.
Alexander was never released. Do your homework.
Patspsycho: He was released. The rest of the league saw it.