CLEVELAND — The New England Patriots ruled out rookie defensive tackle Vincent Valentine for Sunday’s game against the Browns, indicating he didn’t make the trip to Cleveland.
Valentine suffered a back injury in the Patriots’ Week 4 loss to the Buffalo Bills and didn’t practice this week. It was surprising to see him listed as questionable Friday.
The Patriots signed fellow rookie defensive tackle Woodrow Hamilton off their practice squad Saturday. The Patriots also have Alan Branch and Malcom Brown to rotate with Hamilton at defensive tackle.
Valentine was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has nine tackle and one sack in four games this season. Running back Brandon Bolden (knee) and linebacker Shea McClellin (concussion) also have already been ruled out. The Patriots must declare four more inactives Sunday by 11:30 a.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
