FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots released veteran fullback Fred McCrary on Tuesday.

Primarily a blocking back, the seven-year veteran joined New England before last season, starting three games before he was sidelined with a season-ending leg injury.

The 6-foot, 247-pound fullback was a sixth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles out of Mississippi State in 1995. He signed with the San Diego Chargers in 1999 and started 55 of 63 games over the next four seasons.

In his career, the 31-year-old McCrary has 105 career receptions for 598 yards and six touchdowns. He has 31 yards rushing and one touchdown on 25 career carries.

In two preseason games this year, he had two carries for 15 yards and one reception for four yards.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he timed McCrary’s release so he’d have time to catch on with another team.

“Fred and I talked about it, and I think we both felt it was the best thing to do at this time,” Belichick said.

Safety Rodney Harrison, a former teammate of McCrary’s with San Diego, said the fullback still has plenty to offer.

“Now at least he has the opportunity to shop around and hopefully he can get picked up with someone, which I think he will,” Harrison said. “Fred still has some gas left in the tank, definitely. I think he can be a good player for someone.”

The move leaves New England with just one fullback on the roster, Patrick Pass, who can also play halfback. Linebacker Dan Klecko can double as a blocking fullback in short-yardage situations.

Also on Tuesday, the Patriots placed rookie safety Guss Scott on injured reserve.

Scott, a third-round pick out of Florida, suffered a knee injury Saturday in the Patriots’ 31-3 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He had seen action primarily with reserve units and on special teams.

He’s the third Patriot placed on injured reserve. Defensive tackle Rodney Bailey and tight end Zeron Flemister both have Achilles’ tendon injuries.

AP-ES-08-24-04 1351EDT