FOXBORO, Mass. — Joe Vellano passed through waivers and will re-join the New England Patriots on Wednesday.
Vellano was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, the team announced. The defensive tackle was cut Monday to make room for cornerback Brandon Browner and wide receiver Brian Tyms, both of whom came off four-game suspensions. Vellano cleared waivers on Monday and agreed to join the practice squad on Tuesday evening, according to a source.
The Patriots also re-signed offensive lineman Chris Martin to the practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of Central Florida was released from the Patriots’ practice squad on Sept. 26.
To make room for Vellano and Martin, the Patriots released offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann from the practice squad. The second-year pro signed with the Patriots on Sept. 16.
Vellano recorded 54 tackles and three sacks with the Patriots in 21 games and eight starts over the past two seasons. He originally was signed as a rookie free agent out of Maryland after the 2013 NFL draft.
Vellano adds valuable, experienced depth to the practice squad. He’s a beneficiary of a new rule instituted in 2014 that allows teams to carry two players with two accrued years on their practice squad. Wide receiver Josh Boyce is the Patriots’ other player who falls under that rule.
