Patriots bring practice squad to 16 with addition of defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale

The New England Patriots filled the practice squad to its 16-man capacity on Sunday by announcing the signing of defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale.

Ekuale, 27, entered the NFL with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2018. The Washington State product has appeared 16 career games and recorded 17 tackles. Listed at 6-foot-3, 305-pounds, Ekuale began the 2020 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster before the calendar turned to October on the way to making five starts. His first career sack arrived in December against Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Jacksonville waived Ekuale at the league’s 53-man roster deadline last Tuesday.

He now joins a scout team in Foxborough that stood with one opening.

Brian Hoyer, Garrett Gilbert, Ben Mason, Tre Nixon, Kristian Wilkerson, Matt LaCosse, Alex Redmond, Will Sherman and James Ferentz reside on the offensive side of the ball for New England’s practice squad. The defensive side includes Ekuale, Bill Murray, Jahlani Tavai, Tashawn Bower, Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross. And on special teams resides Nick Folk.

New England opens the regular season next Sunday at Gillette Stadium versus the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.