The Patriots made their corresponding move after placing ORG Stephen Neal on injured reserve late Wednesday by claiming RB Thomas Clayton off waivers from the Browns.

This is the third time the Patriots have added Clayton. They signed him originally on June 11, 2010 and released him on Sept. 4. They signed him to the 53-man roster off the Browns' practice squad on Sept. 30. He was inactive for two games on the Patriots' roster before being released.

On Thursday, the Patriots signed DL Eric Moore and released LB Pierre Woods.

Moore is a fourth-year veteran of the NFL drafted by the Giants in 2005. He spent the past seven games of the 2009 season on the Panthers' practice squad. He also played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers.

The Pats re-signed Woods on Nov. 17 and he played in two games, recording one tackle. Woods originally joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

The way we see it

With Fred Taylor returning from injury, the Patriots don't need another back to be active, but they must see something they like in Clayton for their future plans considering this is the third time they have signed him.

Moore brings some much-needed depth to the defensive line. Against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, the Patriots were without DL Mike Wright and Myron Pryor because of injuries, and have been without DE Ty Warren all season. Wright (concussion) should return. Bill Belichick has had no problem playing a seventh-round draft pick (Brandon Deaderick) and an undrafted free agent (Kyle Love) on the D-line this season, so don't be surprised if Moore sees some time.