Patriots Make Some Practice Squad Moves

The New England Patriots announced several practice squad moves the past two days.

Yesterday, the team signed offensive lineman Chris Barker and released defensive lineman Ben Bass. Barker had been promoted to the team's active roster earlier in the month, but with Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly returning to health, the Patriots had an overload of personnel on the 53. The Patriots released Barker on Tuesday when they announced the acquisition of linebacker Jonathan Casillas.

Today, the team brought back rookie linebacker Deontae Skinner to the practice squad, while releasing wide receiver Jonathan Krause. Skinner, similar to Barker, was released when the team officially signed defensive lineman Alan Branch. Skinner played in seven games and started one for the Patriots during his stint on the active roster. Should the Patriots find themselves down another linebacker for any reason, he would likely be the first player called up.

The Patriots practice squad now stands at the maximum of ten players.