INDIANAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the release of receiver Tiquan Underwood and the promotion of defensive lineman Alex Silvestro:

1. This seems harsh to Underwood, who by most accounts is a great kid. At the same time, the move is consistent with how the Patriots have managed their roster all year, making a lot of moves the day before a game based on needs for that contest.

2. Underwood should be back in 2012, if he wants. This is not a disciplinary based decision, according to a source. The team likes him. Underwood has been the team's third, fourth or fifth receiver this year and has played sparingly (97 snaps in 8 games).

3. Wouldn't be surprised if this is special teams based for this game. Injured tight end Rob Gronkowski plays in the wedge on special teams and the team might want to lessen his load there, given his high ankle sprain, and Silvestro can step in.

4. This should mean Chad Ochocinco is active.

5. In a longer than normal game, one that is also played indoors where things can get hot later in the game because of the crowd, keeping players fresh figures to be important. Silvestro adds depth as part of a possible rotation.