Patriots make a pair of practice squad moves: sign DB Nate Brooks and release OL Colby Gossett

Earlier today, reports broke that the New England Patriots had signed veteran offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse to their 53-man roster. Newhouse will add depth to a position that saw Marcus Cannon go down with an injury — one that is not expected to be season-ending but could keep the starter out for some time — during the season opener. The move was made official a short time later, with the Patriots announcing other transactions as well.

DB Nate Brooks: signed to practice squad

Nate Brooks originally entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie signing by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. The 23-year-old, who was was a four-year starter at North Texas and appeared in 48 games for the school, spent the entire summer in Arizona and appeared in all four preseason games for the club. But despite seeing considerable action as a perimeter cornerback and on special teams — and despite surviving cutdown day — the Cardinals released Brooks last week.

OL Colby Gossett: release from practice squad

The Patriots signed Colby Gossett to their practice squad last week, and are now parting ways with him again. He originally joined the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, but failed to make the team’s roster. After spending the first month of the season on the club’s practice squad, the Arizona Cardinals signed him to their active team. Gossett went on to appear in five games for his new club, starting four at left guard. His performance, however, was not encouraging: he allowed five sacks and did also not fare much better as a run blocker.

DB Obi Melifonwu: signed to practice squad

When the Patriots signed free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown on Monday, they needed to free up a spot on their 53-man roster for him. The team created it by releasing safety Obi Melifonwu, who had originally survived roster cutdown day but had to sit out the season opener after being limited all week in practice. After going unclaimed through the waiver wire, the former second-round pick has now joined New England’s practice squad. The move was first reported yesterday, and made official today.