FOXBORO, Mass. — Joseph Fauria wasn’t the only familiar name signed to the New England Patriots’ practice squad Wednesday.
The Patriots also signed safety Brock Vereen, former Patriots running back Shane Vereen’s brother, to their practice squad. Cornerback Chris Greenwood was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, as well.
The Patriots released safeties Ross Ventrone and Dewey McDonald to make room for Vereen and Greenwood.
Vereen was a 2014 fourth-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears. He was cut by the Bears on Sept. 29 and added to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad Oct. 1. The Vikings cut Vereen on Nov. 14.
He played in 16 games with the Bears last season, starting four. He recorded 39 tackles with an interception and forced fumble. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash with a 6.90-second 3-cone drill, 4.07-second short shuttle, 34-inch vertical leap and 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump. Vereen also played cornerback in college at Minnesota.
Greenwood, a 2012 fifth-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions, was cut by the Baltimore Ravens with an injury settlement Sept. 2. He also has spent time with the Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound defensive back ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in 2012 with a 6.99-second 3-cone, 4.15-second short shuttle, 43-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-2 broad jump.
McDonald was cut from the active roster Nov. 12 and signed to the practice squad Nov. 14.
This is Ventrone’s 31st transaction with the Patriots. He was signed to the practice squad last month. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him back with the practice squad at some point this season.
Thumbnail photo via Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports Images
