The Patriots announced today that they have activated running back Mike Cloud. In order to do so and to make room on the 53-man roster, the team also announced they have released fullback Fred McCrary.
Cloud, who signed as a free agent on June 23, 2003, had just finished fulfilling a four-game NFL-mandated suspension for a substance abuse policy violation that he said was the byproduct of an over-the-counter supplement that failed to list all its ingredients.
The fifth-year running back out of Boston College played four seasons in Kansas City where he totaled 121 carries for 381 yards and four touchdowns, caught 11 passes for 89 yards and returned 46 kickoffs for 981 yards.
McCrary was signed back on March 24 after the Patriots lost Marc Edwards to free agency and at the reccomendation of former Chargers teammate Rodney Harrison. He spent a season in Philadelphia and one in New Orleans before playing four seasons in San Diego. The Chargers released him on Feb. 28.
McCrary was penciled in as the team's starting fullback, but he injured his hamstring during pre-training camp work and missed a big portion of camp. He then played in the team's first two games, but sprained his knee in Philadelphia and missed the games against the Jets and Redskins.
