FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots made their first transaction of the week.
Defensive tackle Joe Vellano signed to the Patriots’ practice squad Friday, the team announced. He already was on the Patriots’ practice field Friday morning, sporting No. 72.
Vellano spent the entire 2013 season on the Patriots’ active roster, recording 54 tackles and two sacks. He started the 2014 season on the roster before being waived and added to the practice squad. He was released Aug. 31 during 75-man roster cuts.
Linebacker Eric Martin was released to make room for Vellano.
Patriots offensive lineman Ryan Wendell also wasn’t spotted at practice. He was limited last Wednesday and Thursday with an illness and has been absent since last Friday, missing four total practices.
Wendell almost certainly will not play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookies David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson, and veteran Josh Kline likely will play in Wendell’s place on the interior offensive line.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
