:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46896126/GettyImages-490842619.0.jpg)
The New England Patriots have announced the signing of four players today, bringing the roster back to the maximum of 90. The players are linebacker L.J. Fort, defensive tackle A.J. Pataiali’l as well as former Patriots fullback Eric Kettani and linebacker Cameron Gordon.
The team's official press release states the following about the four new players:
Fort, 25, has spent time in the NFL with Cleveland (2012), Denver (2013-14), Seattle (2014) and Cincinnati (2014-15). The 6-foot, 230-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Cleveland out of Northern Iowa on May 3, 2012. […]
Gordon, 24, originally signed with the New England on May 12, 2014, as a rookie free agent out of Michigan. The 6-foor-3, 237-pounder suffered an injury during training camp and spent his entire rookie campaign on injured reserve.
Kettani, 28, originally signed with New England as a rookie free agent out of Navy in 2009 and after spending time on the Reserve Military list, he went to training camp with the Patriots in 2011 and spent part of the 2011 and 2012 seasons on the team’s practice squad. The 5-11, 235-pounder, also spent time on the practice squad with Washington (2012), Kansas City (2013) and Jacksonville (2014).
Pataiali’i, 24, was originally signed by Baltimore as a rookie free agent out of Utah State on May 12, 2014. The 6-foot-3, 219-pounder, was released by Baltimore at the end of training camp and spent time on the practice squad of both Baltimore and Cleveland in 2014.
At this point in time, all four players have to be considered camp bodies and long-shots to make the team's roster. Fort and Gordon are depth options at linebacker, considering that starters Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower return from injury, while Pataiali'i basically replaces Vince Taylor, who was waived yesterday with an injury designation.
Kettani might have the best chance at making the roster, with only one other fullback currently on the team's squad: James Develin. However, Develin has been a steady and solid presence for the Patriots offense and it would be a surprise if Kettani is able to take away his roster spot.