The Patriots announced Wednesday OL Thomas Welch has been signed to the practice squad after being released from the 53-man roster on Monday.
Welch, a seventh round draft pick of the Patriots in 2010 out of Vanderbilt, has had two stints on the 53-man roster after starting the season on the practice squad. He was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on September 12 prior to the season-opener at Miami and saw his first NFL action against the Dolphins. He was released from the 53-man roster on September 14 and signed to the practice squad on September 15.
He was signed for the second time to the 53-man roster on October 1, 2011 prior to the game at Oakland.
Welch, 6-7, 310 pounds, spent the majority of his rookie season last year on the Minnesota practice squad. He was released by Minnesota on September 3.