FanPost

Robert Gallery retires, Tony Fiammetta missing


http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2012/08/robert_gallery.html

Robert Gallery was competing for a starting spot on Patriots' offensive line, given the team's injuries and absence of guard Brian Waters.

Turns out, Gallery will be absent himself.

The 31-year old lineman who joined the Patriots in March retired, according to the team. In addition, the team announced fullback Tony Fiametta had been put on the exempt/left squad list. Fiammetta had been missing from the past three practices.

The Patriots also announced the signing of two more players, defensive back Derrick Martin and fullback Kareem Huggins.

Through training camp, Gallery had been alternating between right and left guard on the line, but had struggled. His struggles had given way to Patriots holdover Donald Thomas, who has been practicing with the first team recently.

Gallery is an eight-year veteran who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2004 by the Oakland Raiders. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent in 2011 before being released in March.

The 6-7 Iowa product had signed a 1-year, $1.8 million contract with the Patriots, including a $400,000 signing bonus.

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