Patriots release WR Caldwell; re-sign TE Rivers

Sep 3, 2007, 17:31 GMT

Foxboro, MA - The New England Patriots released wide receiver Reche Caldwell on Monday and re-signed tight end Marcellus Rivers after the team cut him on Saturday.

Caldwell started in 14 of 16 games last year for the Patriots, catching 61 passes for 760 yards and four touchdowns. In New England's three playoff games, the Florida-product had 16 receptions for 176 yards and one score.

Before signing with the Patriots prior to the 2006 season, Caldwell spent four seasons with San Diego and recorded 76 receptions for 950 yards and seven touchdowns. He became expendable when New England revamped its receiving corps in the offseason, trading for Randy Moss and signing Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington.

The 28-year-old Rivers caught nine passes for 100 yards in the preseason. He caught 24 passes for 168 yards in 2005 for Houston.

The Patriots also claimed rookie linebacker David Herron off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings and signed the following players to the practice squad: wide receivers Bam Childress and C.J. Jones, fullback Kyle Eckel, linebacker Corey Mays, offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg, tight end Jason Rader and defensive lineman Santonio Thomas.

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