The New England Patriots appear to be preparing for Alan Branch’s eventual four-game suspension, which the defensive tackle currently is appealing.
The Patriots claimed nose tackle Darius Kilgo off waivers from the Denver Broncos on Monday. Kilgo, a 2015 sixth-round pick, was waived by the Broncos on Saturday.
The Patriots waived rookie running back D.J. Foster, an undrafted free agent, to make room for Kilgo. Foster appeared in three games and was a healthy scratch for the remaining eight. He had seven carries for 24 yards with one catch for 2 yards. He also had one kick return for 30 yards. The Patriots previously were carrying five running backs on their roster: Foster, Dion Lewis, James White, LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden.
Foster could join running back Tyler Gaffney on the practice squad if he clears waivers. He was hampered by a hamstring injury this summer but showed impressive speed and quickness in limited time on the field.
Kilgo, who’s 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, has 11 tackles in 18 career games with the Broncos. Kilgo, a Maryland product, ran a 5.17-second 40-yard dash with a 1.83-second 10-yard split, 7.49-second 3-cone, 4.65-second short shuttle, 8-feet broad jump, 24-inch vertical jump and 33 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press last April at his pro day.
Kilgo joins Branch, Malcom Brown, Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton on the Patriots’ defensive tackle depth chart.
Thumbnail photo via Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports Images
