Carter has bulked up this year, taking advantage of a full season in the team's strength program. He was listed at 252 pounds coming out of college, and is now in the 265-pound range. Carter likely played the role of Eagles defensive ends Jason Babin (team-high 10 sacks) and Trent Cole in practice.

Previously, the Patriots boosted Carter's practice squad salary, to $149,000, from the minimum ($96,900).