On Monday, the Patriots have released rookie wide receiver Chris Harper off their 53-man roster. Yesterday, the 21-year old rejoined the team on its practice squad. He was not the only familiar face to re-sign with New England, as the team also signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles to the practice squad.
The team's official press release had to say the following about the two players:
Harper, 21, was released by the Patriots on Monday. He originally was signed by New England as a rookie free agent out of California on May 8, 2015. The 5-11, 185-pound wide receiver made the 53-man roster and was active for the season opener vs. Pittsburgh on Sept. 10, before being released on Sept. 15. He was then signed to the practice squad on Sept. 19 before being signed to the 53-man roster on Nov. 17.
Quarles, 22, spent time with New England in 2014. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder, was claimed off waivers by the Patriots from the New York Giants on Aug. 31, 2014, released on Sept. 3, 2014 and then signed to the practice squad on Sept. 6. Indianapolis signed him to the 53-man roster from the New England practice squad on Sept. 16 and he rotated between the Colts 53-man roster and practice squad for the rest of the season, seeing action in two games and finishing with two total tackles. Quarles was released by Indianapolis at the end of training camp this past summer and spent one week on Cleveland’s practice squad. He was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent out of South Carolina on May 12, 2014.
New England had an open spot on its practice squad after the Dolphins signed defensive tackle Robert Thomas to their 53-man roster.