UPDATE (Saturday, Nov. 28, 7:50 p.m. ET): The Patriots officially have signed tight end Asante Cleveland to the 53-man roster, per a team release.
Additionally, the team added linebacker Darius Fleming to the active roster and released defensive back Dewey McDonald. Fleming adds depth at linebacker after Jamie Collins officially was ruled out for Sunday night’s matchup versus the Denver Broncos.
ORIGINAL STORY: FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots will boost their tight end depth by signing a practice squad standout.
The Patriots plan to add tight end Asante Cleveland to their 53-man roster from their practice squad, according to a source. Cleveland has won multiple Patriots practice player of the week honors this season.
The Patriots acquired Cleveland in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for guard Jordan Devey in August. Cleveland was among the Patriots’ final cuts in early September and has been on the practice squad all season.
He had 10 catches for 67 yards in the preseason with the 49ers and Patriots. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end went undrafted out of Miami in 2014.
The Patriots released linebacker Eric Martin to make room for Cleveland on Friday. Cleveland’s signing likely will be processed Saturday at 4 p.m.
Cleveland’s promotion might not be a great sign for No. 2 tight end Michael Williams’ availability. Williams, who mostly serves as a blocking specialist, was added to the injury report Wednesday with a knee issue.
Thumbnail photo via Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports Images
