The New England Patriots have promoted DT Woodrow Hamilton from the practice squad to the active roster. Malcolm Brown and Alan Branch were the only healthy defensive tackles on the roster since rookie Vincent Valentine did not practice all week due to a back injury.
It sounds like DT Woodrow Hamilton has been promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for tomorrow's game.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 8, 2016
Source: DL Woodrow Hamilton has been promoted to active 53-man roster from Patriots practice squad. Team needs to make a move to open spot.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) October 8, 2016
The 6’3 1/2, 315 pound Hamilton is an undrafted rookie that was playing ahead of Terrance Knighton during the preseason. Hamilton was a well regarded run stuffer in college and should see a similar role with the Patriots on the active roster, although I thought he showed some good burst in the pass rush.
If I had to make a comparison, I would say he’s a bigger Kyle Love.
The Patriots will have to release a player to make space for Hamilton. The Patriots cut TE Clay Harbor and placed QB Jacoby Brissett on the injured reserve this week to free up space for QB Tom Brady and ED Rob Ninkovich. We will keep you updated once we know the corresponding move.
1:14 PM EST UPDATE: WOW. Big news. Patriots have released OG Jonathan Cooper, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
Source: the Patriots have released G Jonathan Cooper, the 7th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He was acquired via trade this offseason.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 8, 2016
Cooper was the 7th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The Patriots acquired Cooper and a 2016 2nd round pick in exchange for edge defender Chandler Jones.
Cooper spent time with the first team offensive line this summer, but he injured his foot on the third day of the preseason and hasn’t been able to contribute. He was removed from the injury report this week, but was not apparently a part of the Patriots plans.
This move likely means that rookie LG Joe Thuney is fine, despite battling a shoulder injury this week. Thuney and RG Shaq Mason are the starters, while rookie Ted Karras is the substitute.