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Patriots promote OL Thomas Welch to 53-man roster

Print | Comments () Posted by Monique Walker, Globe Staff October 1, 2011 05:31 PM

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OAKLAND -- The Patriots announced they have signed offensive lineman Thomas Welch from the practice squad to the 53-man roster today. To make room for Welch, the Patriots cut safety Ross Ventrone.

Welch provides the offensive line with a little depth with Sebastian Vollmer out (back) for tomorrow's game against the Oakland Raiders. Welch was with the Patriots in the season opener after the team signed him from its practice squad. After the Miami game, he was released and added back to the Patriots' practice squad.

Meanwhile, cutting Ventrone may be a good sign safety Patrick Chung will play tomorrow. Chung missed last week's game against Buffalo due to a thumb injury. Ventrone was promoted from the practice squad last week and made his NFL debut.