The Boston Herald reported the Patriots will sign former Jets all-purpose wide reciever/running back Danny Woodhead.

Woodhead, a Jets fan favorite, was released earlier in the week so the Jets could re-sign receiver David Clowney.

The Patriots face the Jets Sunday at the new Meadowlands Stadium and, if the report is true, Woodhead likely will share with the Patriots coaches insights into the Jets' offensive schemes.

Last season, the Jets signed former Patriots backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell before a game against New England and eventually made him a team captain.

• Steelers released quarterback Byron Leftwich, freeing up a roster spot to activate defensive lineman Steve McLendon from the practice squad.

Leftwich was expected to be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback while Ben Roethlisberger sat out his league-mandated four-game suspension to start the season. However, he suffered a sprained MCL in the final preseason tuneup and Dennis Dixon was handed the starting gig.