The Patriots announced Wednesday that they have signed linebacker Bobby Carpenter.
Carpenter was signed by New England in April as a free agent. He went through all the rigors of training camp before falling victim to final roster cuts. The move was somewhat as a surprise at the time as he'd performed well enough to be considered solid depth for the position.
It seems the Patriots now need it.
Dont'a Hightower played just nine snaps Sunday against Buffalo before suffering a hamstring injury. The team announced his return as questionable, but the rookie came back to the bench only to sit, helmet off, for the rest of the game.
Carpenter will provide the insurance needed if Hightower will need to miss time.
The Patriots also announced the release of defensive lineman Terrell McClain, which was reported by Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran on Tuesday.
Tight end Alex Silvestro has been added back on to the practice squad, while offensive lineman Thomas Austin has been let go from the practice squad.