The New England Patriots finally added running back and wide receiver depth Tuesday.
The Patriots claimed running back Trey Williams off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, signed wide receiver Damaris Johnson and placed rookie defensive end Trey Flowers on injured reserve to make roster room.
The Patriots had an open spot on their 53-man roster coming into the day after cutting wide receiver Chris Harper on Monday. Harper cleared waivers Tuesday, meaning he’s free to sign to New England’s practice squad.
The Patriots further added receiver depth by signing Austin Hill to their practice squad. Hill was cut from the Patriots’ practice squad last month.
The Patriots have two open spots on their practice squad after the Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle Robert Thomas off their scout team Tuesday. The Patriots signed Harper and linebacker Darius Fleming off their practice squad last week.
Williams, who’s 5-foot-7, 195 pounds, was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M this offseason. The Cowboys signed him off the Redskins’ practice squad last month but waived him Monday, and he has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Williams had 204 carries for 1,343 yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons with the Aggies. He also had 38 receptions for 330 yards with one touchdown. He also could contribute on special teams for New England, as he had 70 kick returns for 1,684 yards at Texas A&M.
Williams had 31 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown during the preseason and added two catches for 15 yards. He ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February with a 6.84-second 3-cone, 4.12-second short shuttle, 33.5-inch vertical leap and 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump.
Williams could compete with James White and Brandon Bolden for snaps as the Patriots’ pass-catching back. The role was left open when Dion Lewis tore his ACLÂ last month.
Flowers played in only one game for the Patriots this season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. He has dealt with shoulder and knee injuries during his rookie season.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports Images
