Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher cleared waivers on Tuesday. After clearing waivers, Fletcher went on the team's injured reserve list, the team announced, and he does not count against the 90-man roster limit.

The Patriots on Monday waived/injured Fletcher, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee in Thursday's preseason opener.

In June, the Patriots claimed injured tight end Jake Ballard, who had been waived/injured by the Giants, and are currently carrying him on their 90-man roster. The Giants apparently turned down a chance to "retaliate" on Tuesday by putting a claim in for Fletcher.