The Patriots made two roster moves Wednesday, re-signing tackle Stephen Neal and placing cornerback Ben Kelly on injured reserve.
Neal spent time with New England in training camp. A former two-time college wrestling champion at Cal-State Bakersfield University, the 6-4, 295-pound Neal was signed by the Patriots on July 23 and then waived on Aug. 27. He spent part of this season on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.
Neal originally got connected with New England through agent Neil Cornrich. Neal and Cornrich were introduced by 1996 Olympic Greco-Roman silver medalist Matt Ghaffari, and Cornrich sent Neal to workout at Ohio State.
By placing Kelly on injured reserve with a foot injury, the Patriots ended the cornerback's season. He appeared in two games as a return man, returning seven kicks for 123 yards. With the moves, New England still has an open roster spot on the 53-man active roster.
