Patriots activate Harrison, release Rivers

The New England Patriots have announced that the roster exemption for veteran safety Rodney Harrison has been lifted. Additionally, the Patriots announced that tight end Marcellus Rivers has been released.

Harrison, 34, has played in 168 career games with 142 starts for the San Diego Chargers (1994-2002) and the Patriots (2003-06). The 6-foot-1-inch, 220-pound defensive back is the NFL's all-time leader in sacks by a defensive back, totaling 28.5 sacks in his career. Harrison has recorded 32 career interceptions and is the only player in NFL history to record at least 25 sacks and at least 30 interceptions in his career.

Rivers, 28, is a veteran of five NFL seasons and has played in 75 games with 13 starts for the New York Giants (2001-04) and the Houston Texans (2005). He was previously signed by the Patriots on Aug. 8, 2007 and released on Sept. 1, re-signed on Sept. 3 and released on Sept. 8. He was most recently re-signed by the Patriots on Oct. 3.