Jamie Collins Sr.

Patriots shake up practice squad, sign linebacker

Published Sep. 16, 2015 12:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New England Patriots filled the vacant spot on their 53-man roster.

The Patriots signed linebacker Dekoda Watson, who was with the team during training camp before suffering an injury. He fills out the depth on the Patriots’ linebacker corps, where they had just Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo and Jonathan Freeny at the position.

The Patriots signed linebacker Eric Martin to the practice squad and released linebacker Alex Singleton and defensive lineman Jimmy Staten. The Patriots currently have one open spot on their practice squad.

Watson is a vested veteran, and his salary would have been fully guaranteed if he was on the Patriots’ Week 1 roster. By signing him now, there’s less at stake if the Patriots are forced to cut him. Watson has experience as a pass rusher and off-the-line linebacker. He previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.

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