FOXBORO, Mass. — Another day, another potential bad sign for Patriots running back Fred Taylor.
The Patriots signed Thomas Clayton off the Cleveland Browns' practice squad Thursday. Labor rules dictate players signed from another team's practice squad must count against the new team's 53-man roster for three weeks, including the bye week, so the Patriots will keep Clayton for three weeks. If they cut ties with him prior to then, he will still count against their 53-man roster until those three weeks have expired.
This is likely a bad sign for Taylor, who missed his second consecutive practice Thursday with a toe injury. The severity of Taylor's injury is uncertain, but the Clayton signing indicates Taylor's injury at least appears to be problematic enough to keep him out of the Miami game.
The Patriots have three other running backs on their roster: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris and Danny Woodhead.
Cornerback Terrence Wheatley and offensive lineman Nick Kaczur were also absent from Thursday's practice.
Clayton will wear No. 41.
