<p> The New England Patriots claimed rookie running back Tyler Gaffney off waivers from the Carolina Panthers, a somewhat surprising move considering that the sixth-round draft pick from Stanford is scheduled to undergo-season ending knee surgery.</p> <p> Gaffney has a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.</p> <p> Gaffney was scheduled to go on injured reserve after being paid a $96,000 signing bonus.</p> <p> “The bottom line is Tyler’s injury is a season-ender," Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told the Charlotte Observer. "It’s not a little tear that could be scoped and he’d be back in three weeks. This was a legitimate, season-ending injury. We have Jonathan Stewart, who’s not practicing, and we needed the roster spot. Plain and simple.”</p> <p> This is similar to when the Patriots claimed injured New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard.</p> <p> “This is a very competitive business, and people are going to try to improve their team within the rules,” Gettleman said. “And this is within the rules.”</p> <p> When asked if he's angry about it, Gettleman replied: "It's a business."</p> <p> Follow me on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Ravensinsdier">@RavensInsider</a></p> <p> Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun</p>