FOXBORO -- The Patriots may be clearing space on their active roster to make a noteworthy addition.
The team has released veteran tight end Clay Harbor. The move clears one spot on coach Bill Belichick's 53-man roster, which could be reserved for quarterback Tom Brady.
Brady's four-game suspension ended at midnight on Monday, as did defensive end Rob Ninkovich's. The Patriots have been given roster exemptions for both players, meaning the team did not immediately have to make roster moves to absorb both players. Eventually, though, the Patriots will have to settle at 53 players, including Brady and Ninkovich.
Harbor's release could be one of the moves to clear space for either Brady or Ninkovich. Harbor has played in 25 offensive snaps thus far this season and he contributed primarily as a special teamer.
At the tight end position, the Patriots now have Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, AJ Derby and Greg Scruggs, who was acquired over the weekend.