Patriots waive quarterback Cody Kessler, reshuffle practice squad

The New England Patriots’ quarterback room is back to two.

Cody Kessler was waived Tuesday amid a series of roster moves that included the previously reported signings of veteran tight ends Eric Tomlinson and Ben Watson.

A third-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Kessler joined Tom Brady and Jarrett Stidham on New England’s quarterback depth chart in late September. Kessler resided among the inactives during his stay. The departure of the former USC Trojan, Cleveland Brown, Jacksonville Jaguar and Philadelphia Eagle now leaves the active roster at capacity.

New England’s practice squad also underwent renovations.

Tight end Jason Vander Laan, offensive tackle Dan Skipper and kicker Younghoe Koo were not spotted on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium to begin the week. Vander Laan and Koo have been released. And the 6-foot-9, 325-pound Skipper, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, has agreed to join the Houston Texans’ 53-man roster.

The Patriots announced the additions of wide receiver Devin Ross and interior lineman Tyler Gauthier to the practice squad in correspondence.

Ross went undrafted in 2018 out of Colorado, where he finished ranked eighth in program history with 140 receptions, 12th with 1,621 receiving yards and appeared in 49 career games. The wideout has spent time with the Tennessee Titans and Eagles since entering the league.

Gauthier originally signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Miami this spring, and was waived on Labor Day weekend after playing 141 snaps through four preseason games. Gauthier started 29 consecutive contests between guard and center while with the Hurricanes. The recent XFL draft selection got the starting nod in New England’s August finale versus the New York Giants.