The New England Patriots have no plans to enter Sunday’s game with the New York Giants carrying just five healthy offensive linemen.
The Patriots are expected to sign offensive lineman Chris Barker off their practice squad and onto the 53-man roster, a source told NESN.com. The transaction first was reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. The Patriots have an open spot on their active roster, so they aren’t required to make a corresponding move.
The Patriots will sign safety Dewey McDonald to take Barker’s spot on the practice squad, another source tells NESN.com. The practice squad move was first reported by The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe. McDonald was claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts last month. He was cut by the Patriots on Thursday and cleared waivers Friday.
Barker was a starting guard for four years in college at Nevada. He mostly has played guard in three seasons with the Patriots, though he also lined up at left tackle during the 2015 preseason.
The Patriots originally claimed Barker off waivers from the Miami Dolphins in September 2013. He’s bounced between the Patriots’ practice squad and active roster for three seasons.
The Patriots ruled out offensive tackles Sebastian Vollmer (concussion) and Marcus Cannon (toe) and rookie guard Tre’ Jackson (knee) on Friday. They will go into Sunday’s game with Barker backing up this projected starting offensive line: left tackle Cameron Fleming, left guard Shaq Mason, center David Andrews, right guard Josh Kline and right tackle Bryan Stork.
Thumbnail photo via Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports Images
