Pats release WR Underwood, sign DE Silvestro

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - So close to the Super Bowl, yet so far.

Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood has been cut by the Patriots less than 24 hours before the big game — bad news for him, of course, but a move that increases the likelihood Chad Ochocinco will be active against the Giants on Sunday.

In another move Saturday, the Patriots signed defensive end Alex Silvestro from their practice squad.

Ochocinco had a career-low 15 catches in his first season with the Patriots and was inactive for the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago. He's never played in the Super Bowl.

New England's other wide receivers are Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater.

Underwood had three catches in five games this season.