FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots have announced today that OL Thomas Welch has been signed to the practice squad. Welch was released from the 53-man roster yesterday after joining the 53-man roster from the practice squad prior to the Miami game on Monday. To make room for Welch, the Patriots released OL Nick McDonald from the practice squad.
Welch, 6-7, 310 pounds, was originally selected by the Patriots in the seventh round (208th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Vanderbilt. After being released by the Patriots on Sept. 4, 2010 be was signed to the Minnesota practice squad on Sept. 6, 2010. He was signed to the Minnesota 53-man roster on December 14 but was inactive for the final three games of the season. Welch was released by Minnesota on September. 3, 2011 and then was signed to the Patriots practice squad.
McDonald, 6-4, 316 pounds, joined the Patriots practice squad on September 5, 2011 after being released by the Green Bay Packers. He was originally signed by Green Bay as a rookie free agent out of Grand Valley State on April 30, 2010. He was inactive for all 16 regular-season games and four postseason games with the Packers last season.
