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Why the Patriots signed Tyler Gaffney three days after releasing him

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots and running back Tyler Gaffney were involved in a rare situation this week, with the club waiving Gaffney on Monday, only to re-sign him three days later.

Why the change of heart?

As it turns out, the Patriots never intended to part ways with Gaffney on a permanent basis. By waiving him Monday, it allowed the team to tweak Gaffney's contract and provide better injury protection for a player who has spent the last two seasons on injured reserve.

All along, Gaffney expected to re-sign with the Patriots as long as another team didn't claim him on waivers, which is what happened.