It might be Christmas but that doesn't mean that the NFL world and those affiliated with it stops turning. While New England's players did not work (aka practice) today, the team's front office did as can be seen by a transaction made.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots have claimed cornerback Troy Hill off waivers and waived tight end Asante Cleveland:
Source: the Patriots claimed DB Troy Hill off of waivers from Cincinnati and waived TE Asante Cleveland.
The 24-year old Hill was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent after this year's draft. The 5'11", 180 lbs cornerback has spent time on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster prior to week 13 and was active for the Bengals' last three games, registering three tackles.
However, Hill was waived yesterday. It did not take him long to find a new home, though, as the Patriots were awarded the former Oregon Duck off the waiver wire today.
As a corresponding roster move, the Patriots have waived tight end Asante Cleveland. The 23-year old was acquired via trade from the San Francisco 49ers (in exchange for guard Jordan Devey) in August and was signed to the practice squad in September. He was promoted to the 53-man roster in late November and active for the four games New England has since played. Cleveland has caught one pass in those four games. He is a prime candidate to be re-signed to the practice squad.