Keith Byars has signed with the New...

Keith Byars has signed with the New England Patriots, two weeks after being released by the Miami Dolphins and a month after his streak of 130 games with at least one reception ended.

The Patriots made roster room for him by placing rookie fullback Kantroy Barber on injured reserve with a shoulder injury they said he incurred in practice.

Byars, converted to tight end this year after spending his other 10 NFL seasons as a fullback, is expected to return to his old position, backing up Sam Gash. He gives the Patriots (3-3) a proven receiving threat at that spot.