FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have activated offensive lineman Logan Mankins for their game today against the Cleveland Browns.

Mankins, a two-time All-Pro, reported to the team this week after holding out for the first seven games of the season in search of a better contract. He was activated to the 53-man roster Saturday. To make room for Mankins, cornerback Terrence Wheatley was cut.

The Patriots also release linebacker Tyrone McKenzie from the practice squad.

BILLS: Shawne Merriman is hoping for a fresh start in Buffalo. The Bills want to plug their porous defense. The two hope it’s a perfect match.

Three days after the Bills claimed the 2005 first-round pick off waivers from the San Diego Chargers, the once-feared pass rusher expressed his readiness to turn the page and resurrect a promising career that had turned sour.

Merriman was waived three weeks after he was placed on injured reserve because of a calf injury. The injury was designated as minor, meaning he was to be released once he was deemed healthy by the Chargers.

Merriman passed his physicals, declared himself healthy and will begin practicing Monday. Whether he makes his Bills debut next Sunday when Buffalo (0-7) hosts the Detroit Lions remains to be seen.

PACKERS: Green Bay activated safety Atari Bigby from the physically unable to perform list, making him available to play tonight against Dallas. Bigby has been sidelined since having ankle surgery at the beginning of training camp.

GIANTS: Another New York player won’t be making the trip to Seattle for today’s game with the Seahawks. Wide receiver/kick returner Darius Reynaud (hamstring) was downgraded from questionable to out. Earlier this week, tackle William Beatty (foot), running back Madison Hedgecock (hamstring) and center Shaun O’Hara (foot) were declared out.