FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced today that rookie DB Malcolm Williams has been signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. In addition, DE Alex Silvestro has been signed to the practice squad.
Williams, 24, was originally drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (219th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Texas Christian. Williams, 5-11, 200 pounds, was released by the Patriots on Aug. 29 and then had two stints on the New England practice squad. Williams was signed from the practice to the 53-man roster on Dec. 10 and saw action on special teams against Washington on Dec. 11. He was released on Dec. 15 and signed back to the practice squad on Dec. 27.
Silvestro, 23, was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad on Friday, Dec. 23 and saw action in his first NFL game in the victory over Miami last Saturday. He was released by the Patriots on Dec. 29. Silvestro, 6-3, 267 pounds, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Rutgers on July 27, 2011 and released on Sept. 3, 2011. He was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 28.
