Report: Patriots Close to Signing Tight End Michael Hoomanawanui

Another solider could be joining the Patriots' tight end brigade.

The Pats are close to signing Michael Hoomanawanui to their 53-man roster, according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss. The deal is reportedly contingent on Hoomanawanui passing a physical, and fellow tight end Visanthe Shiancoe will likely be placed on injured reserve in order to accomodate the addition.

Hoomanawanui spent his first two seasons in St. Louis after getting drafted in the fifth round in 2010. The 24-year-old, who played with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when he was with the Rams last season, has 20 catches for 229 yards and three touchdowns in 16 career games.

Hoomanawanui joined the Redskins practice squad after getting cut by the Rams on Sunday, but it now looks like that stay is a short one.

The Patriots have been linked to tight end after tight end this offseason. In addition to signing Shiancoe and Daniel Fells, they also claimed the injured Jake Ballard on waivers, worked out Dallas Clark and reportedly will work out Kellen Winslow.

Reiss reports that Shiancoe could be placed on the new short-term IR, which would make him eligible to return later this season.

Photo via Wikipedia/Michael Hoomanawanui