Joe Vellano, you had one job.
The New England Patriots’ practice-squad defensive tackle was absent for Friday’s practice at Gillette Stadium. Fellow defensive lineman Dominique Easley also missed practice.
Easley might be headed to injured reserve, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported Thursday night, citing a source. Easley tore his ACL last September in college at the University of Florida. The knee continues to bother the Patriots’ 2014 first-round draft pick, and it could be in both Easley’s and the team’s best interest to shut down his season to get him fully healthy for 2015.
The Patriots have solid defensive tackle depth with Vince Wilfork, Chris Jones, Sealver Siliga and Alan Branch. It’s unclear why Vellano missed practice, but if Easley heads to IR, the second-year pro could be a candidate to be promoted from the practice squad.
Thumbnail photo via Lynne Sladky/Associated Press
