Patriots release Paul Quessenberry from practice squad following return of Bill Murray

Defensive tackle Bill Murray’s presence at New England Patriots practice required a corresponding move.

That came with the release of tight end and fullback Paul Quessenberry on Thursday, according to the league transaction wire.

Murray, an undrafted rookie out of William & Mary, had been placed on the Covid-19 reserve list on Oct. 6. Two days later, New England re-signed Quessenberry to bring the practice squad back to its active 16-man limit.

Quessenberry finished training camp with the Patriots and began the regular season on the scout team upon clearing waivers. The 28-year-old had served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps after playing defensive end at the Naval Academy. He appeared in 38 games during his Midshipmen career to register 80 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pair of passes defensed.

In addition to Murray, quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore were also cleared for New England’s first official practice of the week.

The Denver Broncos are scheduled to visit for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday at Gillette Stadium.