FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots made changes to their practice squad as they prepare for their postseason opener.
The Patriots signed wide receiver J.J. Worton and safety Cedric Thompson. They released receiver DeAndre Carter to make room for Worton and Thompson.
Worton tore his ACL during his senior season at Central Florida and went undrafted and unsigned until being added to the St. Louis Rams’ practice squad Dec. 12. Worton’s contract with the Rams expired Jan. 11, and they elected not to sign him to a futures deal.
Worton caught 168 passes for 2,360 yards with 21 touchdowns in four seasons at Central Florida. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound receiver also returned 72 punts for 740 yards. Worton worked out for the Patriots on Dec. 10.
Thompson was drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He was waived Sept. 5 and added on Sept. 7 to the Dolphins’ practice squad, where he stayed all season. His contract expired Jan. 11.
Thompson, who’s 6-feet, 212 pounds, ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in March with a 6.94-second 3-cone, 4.28-second short shuttle, 40.5-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump.
Thompson was teammates with Patriots practice-squad safety Brock Vereen at Minnesota.
Both Worth and Thompson practiced for the Patriots on Tuesday.
Carter signed to the practice squad Dec. 15 after working out with Worton on the 10th.
Thumbnail photo via David Manning/USA TODAY Sports Images
