Patriots fill final roster spot by re-signing OL Matt Tobin to a one-year contract, add RB to practice squad

The New England Patriots have been busy the last few days, making multiple transactions on their 53-man roster and 10-man practice squad. When all was said and done, the Patriots were left with one open spot on their active team — and it now looks as if they have filled it: as first reported by ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, New England has signed veteran offensive lineman Matt Tobin to a one-year contract.

Tobin is a familiar face in Foxboro: the Patriots originally brought the 28-year old on board as an unrestricted free agent in March. He competed for playing time at offensive tackle and guard over the summer but despite season-ending injuries suffered by Isaiah Wynn and Ulrick John was unable to secure a roster spot behind starters Trent Brown and Marcus Cannon, and top backup option LaAdrian Waddle .

Tobin, who started his career in 2013 as an undrafted rookie signing by the Philadelphia Eagles and spent 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks, was therefore released by the Patriots. He subsequently joined the San Francisco 49ers but was let go again just two weeks and no in-game appearances later. Now, the 6’6, 310 lbs lineman is back in New England where he will serve as a depth option behind the three men mentioned above.

The Patriots had an open roster spot after releasing defensive edge Geneo Grissom and offensive lineman Cole Croston yesterday, and placing offensive lineman Brian Schwenke on injured reserve. While it added defenders Obi Melifonwu and Albert McClellan, New England still had one open spot — the one now taken by Tobin.

Update: The Patriots also signed former Indianapolis Colts running back Josh Ferguson, who visited the team earlier this week, to the practice squad.