Patriots make a pair of practice squad transactions

One day after defeating the Houston Texans to improve their record to 2-1, the New England Patriots have made a pair of transactions regarding their practice squad. As has been announced by the team earlier today, the Patriots have re-signed defensive back Jomal Wiltz and in a follow-up move have released fellow cornerback Robert Nelson.

A two-year starter for the Iowa State Cyclones, Wiltz went undrafted this year and later signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite his outstanding athleticism, the 22-year was unable to find success with the Eagles and was released on September 2. He did not join Philadelphia's practice squad either but instead was signed to New England's five days after his initial release.

Wiltz stayed on the Patriots' practice squad until last week, when he was let go. After four days on the open market, the 5'10, 180 lbs cornerback is now back in New England. To make room on the practice squad for him, the team has opted to waive Robert Nelson, who had a workout with the Patriots before being signed to the scout team on September 20.

Nelson originally entered the NFL as an undrafted signee by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. The Arizona State product appeared in seven games his rookie season – mostly on special teams – before spending the 2015 season with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. In 2016, Nelson appeared in 13 total games for the Texans. During this year's roster cutdowns, however, the 27-year old was let go which cleared the way for him to join the Patriots' practice squad.

After the transactions, New England's 10-man practice squad now looks as follows:

DL Angelo Blackson

OL James Ferentz

QB Taylor Heinicke

WR Cody Hollister

DB David Jones

OL Jason King

CB Ryan Lewis

WR Riley McCarron

DB Damarius Travis

DB Jomal Wiltz