The 2014 sixth-rounder spent the past three years pursuing a career in baseball. Gaffney showed some 2018 promise in the Pirates' farm system, but the pandemic essentially stopped his long-shot bid in its tracks. As for football, Gaffney has never notched a regular season touch. Now on the wrong side of 30, Gaffney has no shot at cracking the Patriots' 53-man roster. 

After being waived to make room for Dion Lewis that came from the PUP list, the Patriots re-signed Gaffney to their practice squad. The release was just to make room for Gaffney, as he'll continue to be on the Pats practice squad.

Gaffney was only on the active 53-man roster for 12 days as of this move on Thursday. The indication here is that Dion Lewis will be activated off of the Physically Unable to Perform list ahead of Sunday Night's showdown with Seattle. Gaffney could remain with the team if he clears waivers though it would be on the practice squad if the Pats so choose.