Thu Aug 16 22:17:25 2007

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Patriots release Miller, claim one off waivers

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Foxborough, MA (Sports Network) - The New England Patriots made several roster moves on Thursday, among them releasing veteran punter Josh Miller.

Miller, 37, spent the last three seasons with the Patriots. He appeared in 10 games last season for New England, and averaged 43 yards-per-punt. From 2004-2006, Miller played in 42 regular-season games and five postseason contests for the Pats, and his 43.6 yard average ranks second to Tom Tupa in franchise history. The Queens, New York native played his first eight NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The club also released offensive lineman Brian Barthelmes. The 24-year-old was signed as a free-agent out of the University of Virginia in 2006, and played for NFL Europe as well as on the Patriots practice squad last year.

New England also claimed rookie offensive lineman Chris Patrick off waivers from the New York Giants. Patrick, 22, was signed as an undrafted free-agent from the University of Nebraska on July 18, but waived by the Giants on Tuesday after appearing in the club's preseason opener against Carolina on August 11.