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Patriots announce surprising release, other moves ahead of opener

The New England Patriots made several roster moves on the eve of their regular season opener on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

And one of them was a surprise.

The team announced they have released defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr., who made the initial 53-man roster in training camp. In a corresponding move, they signed defensive lineman Cory Durden from the practice squad to their main roster.

So it was basically a swap of Pharms for Durden ahead of the Week 1 game. The Patriots also announced that they are elevating defensive back Corey Ballentine and linebacker Mark Robinson.