FOXBORO, Mass. -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy
Bruschi, recovering from a mild stroke, was placed on the
physically unable-to-perform list on Thursday.
That designation allows him to collect his salary and even come
back after Week 6 if he chooses.
Bruschi, who will make $850,000, said last week he decided to
sit out the 2005 season to recover from the stroke 10 days after
New England beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in the Super Bowl.
Also Thursday, New England signed first-year free agent receiver
Rich Musinski, who played in three preseason games for the
Tennessee Titans before he was cut last September.
The Patriots also placed receivers Tim Dwight and Bethel Johnson
on the physically unable-to-perform list along with kick returner
Chad Morton and guard Bryan Anderson.
Dwight and Morton were signed as free agents.
Dwight is a veteran of seven NFL seasons with the Atlanta
Falcons and San Diego Chargers. He had just two receptions for 31
yards last season, in part because of a toe injury.
Morton injured his right knee last season and appeared in just
six games for the Washington Redskins.
Ted Johnson, who announced his retirement Thursday on the eve of
what would have been his 11th NFL training camp, was placed on the
reserve-retired list.
Defensive tackle Ethan Kelley was placed on the non-football
injury list. He spent most of last season on the practice squad.