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Patriots Release Greg Salas, Sign Lineman Mark Zusevics Ahead of Thursday’s Game With Jets

East Rutheford, N.J. — Just before the start of the season, New England traded a late-round pick to the Rams in exchange for wide receiver Greg Salas. But after an extended stint on the practice squad and some time with the first teamers last week, Salas is no more.

Salas was waived by the Patriots on Thursday night to make room for offensive lineman Markus Zusevics on the 53-man roster. Zusevics has been on the Patriots’ practice squad for most of the season, but with lingering injuries to guard Logan Mankins and tackle Sebastian Vollmer, his addition as added depth seems to make sense.

Salas did see a few plays on one series with the offense against the Colts last Sunday, but his impact was minor if at all noticeable. He was a fourth-round pick by St. Louis in 2011 out of Hawaii and is more of a slot receiver, who some have hypothesized could be Wes Welker’s replacement in the Patriots’ offense. We’ll see about that thought.

Zusevics was inactive against the Jets for Thursday night’s game.  Salas is likely an option for the practice squad should he pass through the waiver wire.

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