The Patriots have released Fleming, the team's official site reports.

The move frees up a roster spot for the Patriots' addition of fellow LB Deontae Skinner to the team's 53-man roster.

Patriots signed LB Darius Fleming.

Fleming, 24, was waived by the 49ers earlier this week. A 2012 fifth-round pick, he's missed the last two seasons due to ACL injuries. Even if healthy, Fleming is a long-shot to make Patriots' final roster.

49ers waived LB Darius Fleming, WR DeMarco Sampson, and CB Dax Swanson.

Fleming, a 2012 fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame, tore his ACL during rookie minicamp before tearing it again last summer. His career may be in jeopardy.

49ers waived/injured LB Darius Fleming (knee).

Fleming tore his ACL during his rookie minicamp last season and then tore the same ligament again on Monday. The Notre Dame product's career is in jeopardy. The Niners will sign Travis Johnson to take Fleming's place on the 90-man roster.

49ers second-year LB Darius Fleming will transition to inside linebacker this season.

Fleming was drafted as an outside linebacker in the fifth round out of Notre Dame last year, but he tore his ACL in rookie minicamp. He's expected to be full-go for the start of training camp next week, and he'll try to earn a roster spot behind starters Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

49ers kept LB Darius Fleming (knee) on reserve/PUP, ending his season.

The rookie fifth-rounder suffered a torn ACL in the first practice of the year in May. While he is said to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, the 49ers have the linebacker depth to avoid rushing him back this season.

49ers placed LB Darius Fleming (knee) and RB Jewel Hampton on the reserve/NFI list.

A fifth-round pick this year, Fleming tore his ACL ten minutes into training camp. Hampton tore both ACLs at Iowa before transferring to Southern Illinois. Coach Jim Harbaugh revealed in late July that the undrafted free agent had bone spurs removed from a "lower extremity." Both players are eligible to be removed from the NFI list in Week 7.

49ers rookie OLB Darius Fleming was placed on PUP to open training camp.

Fleming tore his left ACL at May rookie camp, and will likely spend the entire season on PUP. The 49ers could conceivably revisit Fleming's recovery after the first six regular season games, but we don't expect to see him before 2013.

49ers fifth-round OLB Darius Fleming tore his ACL during his first minicamp practice.

Fleming's injury was of the non-contact variety, bending his knee awkwardly. Initial reports suggested a hamstring injury, but an MRI confirmed a torn ACL. Fortunately for the former Notre Dame star, he signed a four-year, $2.264 million contract one day before the injury. Fleming will likely spend his rookie season on injured reserve.

49ers signed fifth-round OLB Darius Fleming to a four-year contract.

Fleming played all over the formation at Notre Dame, seeing action at both inside and outside 'backer and with his hand in the dirt. He'll be a special teamer and reserve initially, and could push for a Parys Haralson sort of role down the line. Fleming isn't dangerously explosive, but he is a sure tackler, plays through the whistle, and should have a long career.