Patriots roster shuffle, offensive lineman lands on IR, sign tight end off practice squad
The New England Patriots have signed tight end Pharaoh Brown off the practice squad. In a corresponding move they have placed offensive lineman Riley Reiff on the injured reserve.
Reiff injured his knee in the final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. To take Brown’s practice squad, New England has brought back defensive tackle Jeremiah Phrams Jr.
Reiff signed this offseason to a one-year-deal from the Chicago Bears. The 34-year-old was expected to offer a veteran presence to the Patriots’ young offensive line. The South Dakota native has played in 15-plus games in three of his last four years. His ability to play left and right tackle offer the Patriots flexibility, providing depth on the offensive line if Trent Brown went down with an injury or struggled on the gridiron.
Reiff will miss the next four games due to landing on injured reserve.
Brown was recently signed to the practice squad, offering good size measuring in at 6’6” and 258 pounds. He has previously played for the Houston Texans including in 2020 when Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was there as the head coach.
The former Oregon Duck has 51 catches in 55 games as he enters his sixth NFL season. Brown joins Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki as the three tight ends on the active roster.
Phrams was initially released on cutdown day, but went unsigned. The undrafted free agent has yet to appear in an NFL game. He signed with the Patriots practice squad before the start of last season. The 26-year-old will continue to put work in and develop in the organization.
The Patriots offensive line remains a concern as the home opener nears for Week 1. The addition of Brown instead of adding another offensive lineman from their practice squad such as James Ferentz is a bit puzzling.
Another injury to watch for is guard Cole Strange whose status is unknown heading into Sunday. Strange was spotted by Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston at practice today in shorts and shells.
The Patriots open up their season at home this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. against the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
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