The New England Patriots are placing first-round receiver N'Keal Harry on injured reserve due to an ankle injury that the rookie's been battling all summer, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Harry will be forced to miss at least eight weeks but is reportedly expected to return at some point this season.

In a corresponding move, the Patriots re-signed Demaryius Thomas to a one-year deal after releasing him as part of the cut to 53 players, Schefter also reported, citing a source.

Thomas will likely compete with Phillip Dorsett for the No. 3 receiver role behind Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon.

The veteran wideout impressed in the final preseason game as he continues to work back to full health after suffering a torn Achilles in December. He grabbed seven of his eight targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the New York Giants.