Report: Patriots to add long snapper Tucker Addington to practice squad after Joe Cardona injury

With Joe Cardona limited in practice because of an ankle injury, the New England Patriots will add to their depth at the long snapper position. As first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team is planning to sign Tucker Addington to its practice squad.

Addington, 25, appeared in 48 games during his career at Sam Houston State. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 USFL supplemental draft earlier this year, and also spent time on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad in October.

Last month, the Patriots had the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder in for a workout. They again worked him out on Wednesday before apparently making the decision to add him as emergency depth behind Cardona.

Cardona, 30, has been serving as the team’s long snapper ever since he was added as a fifth-round draft pick in 2015. Along the way, he never missed any playing time: the Navy product appeared in 139 straight regular season and playoff games for New England — winning two Super Bowls along the way and earning himself a four-year, $4.3 million contract extension in 2018.

Cardona continues to be one of the most reliable long snappers in the NFL, but his ankle injury leaves his status for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders in question. Addington will therefore serve as an emergency option.

The Patriots’ contest in Las Vegas is scheduled for a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday.