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The Patriots on Friday announced the release of seven players: LB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Tony Carter, TE Alge Crumpler, T Nick Kaczur, DL Marcus Stroud, DL Ty Warren and rookie free agent LB Ryan Coulson from Nevada.

The team also announced the signing of third-round pick Ryan Mallett and five-round pick Marcus Cannon.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots defensive lineman Ty Warren is excited about being healthy for the start of camp and the potential of adding Albert Haynesworth to his position group. Here's a sampling of his Q&A with reporters:

On his health at the start of camp: "It's about as fresh as I've been. Yeah, it's about as fresh as I've been in a long while... It's just good to be fresh. The guys that played last year that were there over the offseason, I'm sure those guys are fresh as well."

On the whole team signing autographs Thursday: "Again, I think that system that's in place, that structure that's in place -- a system and structure that I think that was really influenced by the late Myra Kraft, who's not here with us today [but was] a big part of what you saw out here today. I don't think it's a propaganda thing at all. I think it's just a straight up, genuine thing, that I know that Myra would probably be rubbing her knuckles through Kraft's head, if what was displayed today didn't happen today."

Reaction to fan support: "It's huge. It's huge because I think the fans and the people who support this sport, that's the fuel to this whole deal. [They] definitely missed a lot over the offseason for what the league has built up to this point. All the NFL networks, all the things, the networks, the programs, the stuff that's in place, and the things that kind of ran out, to where people didn't have much to talk about, people didn't know the whereabouts of some of their favorite players, their organizations, whatever the case may be. New coaches that were acquired on different teams and stuff like that. So I think the owners and the players through negotiations kind of put the fans in a rough spot."

On bringing in players with checkered pasts: "I think a lot of the stuff that you see on TV, sometimes it's only half the truth. I think there's two sides to each story, and I don't think that Albert [Haynesworth] -- I think that's who you're referring to -- is a bad guy. Corey Dillon wasn't a bad guy, Rodney [Harrison] wasn't a bad guy. A lot of guys right on down the line weren't bad guys when they came in here. I think sometimes guys get a bad rap and I think that's the structure that's in place of guys that are in the locker room, making an easy transition for them when they come in."

On potentially adding Haynesworth to the defensive line: "It's huge. I mean, he's got some freakish ability. I wasn't able to see him last year, playing against opposing offenses, but I've seen him on film, and he's the real deal... Everything looks good on paper right now. But we've still got to come out here on the field and put that work in, repetition, and stuff like that. I think with that coming together, stringing some good things along, I think anything is possible."

On being injured last season: "I think that was really the first big injury I've ever had, period, and so it just presented a different challenge for me, as far as just trying to get back onto the field. I never doubted myself. I feel confident enough to know if I'm out there doing what I need to do, everything will fall in line."

Jenn Brown spends a day with Ty Warren at his ranch in Texas. They talk about hunting, the lockout, his recovery from the hip injury that end his 2010 season in training camp and more.

New England Patriots defensive lineman Ty Warren was on ESPN’s First Take today to talk about his decision to forgo a $250,000 workout bonus to finish his degree, as chronicled by Mike Reiss in this story. Watch the Warren video above.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Quick-hit thoughts from the Patriots’ inactive players:

1. Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork hoped to play, as he worked out for trainers in the 10 o’clock hour, but his injured foot is not ready. This is another reason why the Patriots would benefit greatly from clinching a playoff berth today so a player like Wilfork could have three weeks of rest heading into the playoffs.

2. Defensive lineman Ty Warren is active, but will not start. The Patriots will apparently see how the game unfolds in terms of how they use Warren. Mike Wright is expected to start at left end, with rookie Ron Brace or Myron Pryor at nose tackle.

3. Running back Fred Taylor is active for the first time since Oct. 4, when he injured his right ankle. The Patriots deactivated BenJarvus Green-Ellis, so they’ll need to juggle some parts on special teams.

4. With offensive lineman Nick Kaczur (shoulder) inactive, rookie Sebastian Vollmer will start at right tackle.

5. Cornerbacks Terrence Wheatley and Darius Butler are inactive, which is partially a result of special teams considerations. Cornerback Kyle Arrington has been impressive on special teams, so he gets the nod and is bumped up the depth chart on defense because of it.

6. Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis, one of the team’s best defenders, is active. He was questionable with a groin injury.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Patriots will be without starting defensive linemen Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren, two of their best run-stoppers, for Sunday's road game against the Bills.

Wilfork, a key cog in the 3-4 defense at nose tackle, hurt his foot in last Sunday's 20-10 win over the Panthers. He returned for one play in the second half before leaving the field in pain, throwing his helmet to the ground.

Warren has been playing through an ankle injury, which he apparently re-aggravated last Sunday. He was hurt early in the fourth quarter and did not return.

This is a significant blow for the Patriots, although it could be lessened by the fact the Bills have a shaky situation on their offensive line.

Rookie Ron Brace is a top candidate to start in Wilfork's place, with first-year player Titus Adams another possibility. Five-year veteran Mike Wright is the projected starter for Warren at left end.

In addition to Wilfork and Warren, the Patriots downgraded running back Fred Taylor (ankle), guard Stephen Neal (ankle), tackle Nick Kaczur (shoulder) and defensive tackle Myron Pryor (chest) to out.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots are currently practicing inside Gillette Stadium, and the team's injury concerns along the defensive line were highlighted as starters Vince Wilfork (foot) and Ty Warren (ankle) were not present for the start of the session.

Wilfork, a key to the team's run defense at nose tackle, and Warren, a powerful left end, also missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

If Wilfork does not play Sunday, rookie Myron Pryor would be a top candidate to replace him. But Pryor is also ailing, missing last Sunday's game with a chest injury. First-year player Titus Adams, who was promoted off the practice squad last week, played the nose when Wilfork left Sunday's win over Carolina. Rookie Ron Brace is another possibility.

At left end, the Patriots would likely turn to five-year veteran Mike Wright if Warren can't play. Warren played last week, but like Wilfork, did not finish the game.

In other injury-related news, quarterback Tom Brady was present for the start of practice today. Brady, who is battling through rib and right finger injuries, had missed Wednesday's practice and was limited in Thursday's session.

Veteran running back Fred Taylor (right ankle), who missed Thursday's practice, was also present for the start of today's practice.

Media members were present at the practice for only stretching drills.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quarterback Tom Brady was one of eight players not present for the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice. The four players reportedly sent home for being late for Wednesday's 8 a.m. meeting -- Randy Moss, Adalius Thomas, Derrick Burgess and Gary Guyton -- were also among those absent.

Brady's wife delivered the couple's son Tuesday. Brady was present at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday morning, holding his regularly scheduled press conference.

The other players not spotted at the start of practice were running back Fred Taylor, defensive lineman Myron Pryor and defensive lineman Ty Warren.

Media members were present for stretching and agility drills before departing. With snow and rain in the region, the practice was held inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse.

NEW ORLEANS -- Patriots defensive end Ty Warren appeared to injure his right ankle early in the second quarter.

Warren took himself out of the game after Pierre Thomas converted a fourth-down run. On the next play, Drew Brees connected with Thomas on an 18-yard touchdown pass to put the Saints out front, 10-7, with 12:55 remaining in the half.

Trainers appeared to be tending to Warren's right ankle, removing his shoe during their examination. Warren stood up shortly after and walked along the sideline.

No official injury announcement has been provided by the Patriots.

(Update: Warren returned to the field later in the second quarter).

Although the Patriots have put last Sunday's win over the Jets in the rear-view mirror and are now focused solely on the Saints, a look back at the game-ball winners:

Tully Banta-Cain -- In just 26 snaps, outside linebacker/defensive end plays through injury and totals five tackles (one for a loss), two sacks and a forced fumble.

Leigh Bodden -- Cornerback ties a Patriots record with three interceptions.

Mark LeVoir -- Offensive tackle comes off the bench in a pinch and delivers a crushing block on a receiver screen that highlights the physical edge with which the Patriots played.

Ty Warren -- Defensive end ties for the team high with six tackles, continuing to do the dirty work that is easy to overlook.

Wes Welker -- Receiver notches career highs with 15 receptions and 192 yards.

A look at snaps played by Patriots defenders in the team’s 31-14 win over the Jets (as charted in the press box, small margin for error):

ILB Gary Guyton – 51 of 51 snaps
ILB Jerod Mayo – 51 of 51
S Brandon Meriweather – 51 of 51
CB Jonathan Wilhite – 51 of 51
CB Leigh Bodden – 50 of 51
S Brandon McGowan – 50 of 51
OLB/DE Adalius Thomas – 40 of 51
NT Vince Wilfork – 39 of 51
DE Mike Wright – 37 of 51
DE Ty Warren -- 34 of 52
OLB Tully Banta-Cain – 26 of 51
OLB Pierre Woods – 19 of 51
DE Derrick Burgess – 17 of 51
DT Myron Pryor – 17 of 51
CB Darius Butler – 12 of 51
S James Sanders – 9 of 51
S Pat Chung – 5 of 51
DT Ron Brace – 1 of 51
S Randy Moss – 1 of 51

(Two false start penalties included in snaps)

ANALYSIS: The base alignment was a 3-4, with the Patriots using a 3-2-6 dime (6 defensive backs) in most passing situations and occasionally a 4-2-5 nickel (5 defensive backs). … Butler and Chung were the fifth and sixth defensive backs in the sub package. … When Chung left the game with a head injury, he was replaced by Sanders. … Mayo and Guyton played every snap at inside linebacker, keeping Junior Seau on the sidelines for the third game in a row. … Including penalties, the 51 snaps were the third fewest the defense has played in a game this season (46, vs. Falcons, 49 vs. Titans). … Banta-Cain made the most of his playing time, finishing with five tackles and two sacks in just 26 snaps. … After seeing action solely on early downs, Thomas is playing again in sub packages as he’s had more of a chance to rush the passer in recent weeks. … Woods played on defense for the first time since Oct. 18 against Tennessee, starting at outside linebacker and working in a rotation. … This was the second time this season that Moss has been called upon as a safety in a Hail Mary situation.

Five quick-hit Patriots thoughts on Friday:

1) Without Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour, many questions have been asked about filling a leadership void on defense. This was the adversity-filled week to find out, and second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo officially declared that a big part of the torch has been passed his way with his strong remarks Thursday.

2) After playing all but two plays in a sub package against the Colts, this week's game should feature more of a return to the base 3-4 alignment against the Jets' No. 1 ranked rushing offense. The outside linebacker spot opposite Adalius Thomas will be important to watch. If Tully Canta-Cain isn't healthy enough to play, it could thrust Pierre Woods back into the lineup. Woods hasn't played on defense in the last three games.

3) The Patriots need to be more efficient in the red zone, but their 25th ranking in that area is a bit misleading when considering the Buccaneers are the NFL's top red-zone offense. Would you rather be the Buccaneers (12 TDs in 17 trips) or the Patriots (18 TDs in 40 trips)?

4) With Jarvis Green (knee) unlikely to play and Ty Warren with a nagging ankle injury, and with the physical Jets running game to stop, this could be the week the Patriots call on rookie Ron Brace more along the defensive line. Brace saw his first action since Week 2 when he was on the field for the final two goal-line plays Sunday in Indianapolis.

5) Nine games into the season, the Patriots have already had five different players as a primary kickoff returner because of injuries: Laurence Maroney, Julian Edelman, Kevin Faulk, Brandon Tate and Matthew Slater. That hasn't helped them in the field-position game. The team's average drive start is the 24.9 yard line -- 13th in the AFC and 22nd in the NFL.

FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive end Ty Warren, who did not practice Wednesday, upped his workload during Thursday's practice. Warren was listed on the team's participation report as being limited in team drills during the session.

In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.

Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)

Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)

Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)

LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.

On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.

Defensive lineman Ty Warren, whose availability will be key for the New England Patriots against the New York Jets' top-ranked rushing offense, was present for the media-access portion of practice Thursday. Warren missed last Sunday’s loss to the Colts with an ankle injury.

Running back Fred Taylor (knee), linebacker Rob Ninkovich (knee), guard Stephen Neal (head), linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib/groin), and defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) were the players not spotted at the media-access portion of practice.

Of note is that left tackle Matt Light (knee) and running back Sammy Morris (knee) were on the field for the third straight practice.

FOXBOROUGH -- Ty Warren (ankle) and Jonathan Wilhite (illness) were among a group of seven players who did not participate in Wednesday's practice for the Patriots.

Warren, who was spotted on the field by reporters during stretching, evidently did not engage in drills as he nurses a right ankle injury sustained in New England's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London. Earlier Wednesday, Warren indicated he was more concerned about the Dolphins' rushing attack than the injury. Asked about his health, he said, "You see me right now, I'm vertical."

Along with Warren and Wilhite, the following players did not participate in Wednesday's session: wide receiver Julian Edelman (forearm), defensive end Jarvis Green (knee), offensive tackle Matt Light (knee) and running backs Sammy Morris (knee) and Fred Taylor (knee). Tight end Benjamin Watson (back) had limited participation.

For the Miami Dolphins, linebacker Channing Crowder (shoulder) and defensive tackle Jason Ferguson (elbow) engaged in limited participation.