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The New England Patriots are in the middle of preparing for their upcoming opponent – the New York Jets – but as usual that does not stop them from re-evaluating the personnel under contract and making moves if need be. Two of those moves happened earlier today: According to the team, it has added linebacker Trevor Reilly and tight end Will Tye to its practice squad.
Trevor Reilly is a familiar face in New England: He had already spent time with the organization last season, when he was a part of the Patriots' practice squad from mid-October to mid-December. While he did not appear in a game for the team before being signed to the Miami Dolphins' active roster, Reilly was voted as one of the Patriots' practice players of the week a total of three times.
The 29-year old originally entered the NFL as a seventh round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2014. For the Patriots' upcoming opponent, Reilly appeared in a total of 29 games as a backup linebacker and special teamer. The Utah product also played three games for the Dolphins last season. This year, he started on Miami's practice squad but was released two days ago.
Just like Reilly, Will Tye also has experience playing with the Jets. The 25-year old appeared in three games for the team this season and registered four catches for 34 yards. However, despite somewhat regular usage on offense and special teams, New York opted to release the Connecticut native earlier this month. Tye has remained unsigned since but visited the Patriots just two days ago.
The 6'2, 260 lbs tight end originally entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2015. The Stony Brook product was signed by the New York Giants and started his professional career on the team's practice squad. Later his rookie season, Tye was promoted to the active roster; he would go on to spend his next two seasons there before ultimately getting cut during last month's roster cuts.
To make room for the two players on the practice squad, the Patriots have opted to release cornerback Alex Carter and place offensive lineman Cole Toner on practice squad injured reserve.