[Drury77]

Harrison has been activated and will play in today's game

Harrison returned to the team last Tuesday, and on Friday, coach Bill Belichick said the safety had an abundance of energy in practices during the week.

The question remains how much Harrison will play today against the Browns. Third-year veteran James Sanders has been solid as his replacement, and it's likely the two will split snaps as Harrison works his way toward the comfort level he had reached in the preseason.

Harrison will not be the only player in today's game returning from a banned substance suspension. The Browns activated right tackle Ryan Tucker, who was suspended four games in early August for violating the league's steroid policy. To make room for Tucker, the Browns released offensive tackle Kelly Butler.

In releasing Rivers, the Patriots enter today's game with just two pure tight ends on the roster: Kyle Brady and Benjamin Watson. Rivers could return to the team after the game, as the Patriots will need another tight end since David Thomas (foot) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. The Patriots probably decided that they needed depth in other areas today, such as running back, where Laurence Maroney (groin) has been slowed.

Short and sweet

Harrison returns to action - The Boston Globe