The New England Patriots are shoring up their defensive line ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The team signed defensive lineman Joe Vellano to their 53-man roster from the practice squad Saturday and released tight end Steve Maneri as a corresponding move.
Vellano played in New England’s first five games of the 2014 season before the Patriots signed him to the practice squad Oct. 8. The 26-year-old out of Maryland played in both of the team’s postseason games during the 2013 season and should provide some defensive line depth in Sunday’s matchup at Gillette Stadium.
Maneri signed with the Patriots on Dec. 17 and played in only one game, the 17-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the regular-season finale.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
