Former Iowa Receiver Added To Patriots Roster

When former Iowa wide receiver Riley McCarron was waived by the Patriots on Saturday, he didn't panic. He cleared waivers and was signed to New England's practice squad. It's not a bad place to land, especially when injuries and suspensions hit in the NFL. It turns out McCarron didn't have to wait long for the call-up.

New England's 2nd round draft pick, Duke Dawson, landed on injured reserve this week. Couple that with Julian Edelman's four-game suspension and the Patriots needed a wideout that could help in the kick return game. So they signed McCarron off of the practice squad and put him on the official 53 man roster.

How long will McCarron last in New England? It's hard to say. He has at least a four-game audition with Edelman out. If he performs well the Pats might just keep on the roster. Dawson isn't allowed to return from IR until after week 8. All an undrafted player asks for is a shot. That's exactly what McCarron has.

[via NESN]