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Another moderately stunning move by BB & Co. today, as former third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie has been released. The Patriots needed a roster spot after claiming rookie O-lineman Steve Maneri (6-6, 290) off waivers from the Houston Texans. Maneri signed with the Texans this past May as an undrafted free agent out of Temple University. New England also confirmed its trades for LB Tracy White and S Jarrad Page.

Patriots make two trades; Claim rookie OL Maneri;Release LB McKenzie

The New England Patriots acquired S Jarrad Page in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for undisclosed draft considerations and LB Tracy White in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for undisclosed draft considerations.

Pats make final cuts

Derrick Burgess was among the Patriots final cuts as the team also made two minor trades to get down to the 53-man roster limit.

PFW Blog: Analysis of final cuts, trades

More stunners - some milder than others - from Bill Belichick and his staff of coaches and scouts. And another blow to the already suffering Patriots defense, as final cuts were announced late today.

Patriots Release 20 Players; McGowan to IR

The New England Patriots released 20 players today and placed S Brandon McGowan on injured reserve with a chest injury.

62 Brian Barthelmes C

  Height: 6-6   Weight: 300
  Year: 1   Yrs/Pat: 1
  Acquired: FA-06
  School: Virginia
  Major: Sociology
  Born: Jan 28, 1983

Personal

Brian David Barthelmes ... born 1-28-83 in Geauga County, Ohio ... son of Debbie and Lee Barthelmes ... has an older sister, Megan ... father played offensive tackle at Edinboro ... in April 2004, donated approximately 10 inches of his own hair to Lock of Loves, a non-profit organization that provides wigs, made of donated hair, to children who have suffered long-term hair loss due to illness ... went about 18 months without cutting his hair ... received his bachelor's degree in sociology in August 2005.

Career Transactions

Brian Barthelmes was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 8, 2006. Signed to the Patriots Practice Squad on October 25, 2006.

College

2004: Started every game at left guard ... helped pave the way for the most improved offense in the ACC ... UVa led the ACC in rushing offense (242.8), total offense (423.4), first downs (264) and fewest sacks allowed (16) ... Virginia's 112.6-yard improvement in the rushing game was the second-best improvement in ACC history, as well as the second-best improvement in the nation behind Michigan State (141.1) ... lettered for the third time.

2003: Started eight of the 11 games he played ... was nicked at times ... primarily a left guard--seven starts--but also played some right guard and right tackle ...started at right guard against North Carolina as the offense rolled up a season-high 515 yards, including 229 on the ground ... played both left and right guard on several occasions including the Continental Tire Bowl win over Pittsburgh ... earned his second letter.

2002: Physical lineman who opened the season in a reserve capacity behind D'Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle ... saw limited action in the season's first month both from scrimmage and on the kick scoring team ... moved to left guard after the team got thin at that position ... made his first appearance at the position against Duke ... moved into the starting lineup for the Clemson game and remained there the rest of the season ... lettered.

2001: Did not see game action and was red-shirted ... in uniform for the Richmond game.

College bio courtesy of University of Virginia athletics

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