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Alexander to IR; Redd promoted

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff November 22, 2008 06:40 PM

The Patriots have made a roster move today, placing LB Eric Alexander on season-ending injured reserve and promoting OLB Vince Redd from the practice squad.

Alexander has played in only one game this season, the season opener against the Chiefs. A reserve whose primary contributions have come on special teams, he has been limited by a hamstring injury this season.

Redd, a rookie from Liberty, has been on the team's practice squad all season. He originally signed with the team as a free agent after going undrafted in April.

The move adds another layer of depth at outside linebacker, where the Patriots have been without Adalius Thomas since he broke his right forearm Nov. 9. Without Thomas, the Patriots have had Mike Vrabel and Pierre Woods as their starting tandem, with ILB Gary Guyton briefly rotating in at OLB last week against the Jets. Redd will presumably become the third option Sunday against the Dolphins.

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6 comments so far...

Mike, this is a great move. Vince Redd will make his presence felt this year. Mark my words Mike. Redd will make his mark on both special teams and defense whenever and if he ever makes it on the field. I have been waiting for this move (not Alexander perse but just moving Redd from practice squad to 53 man).

Lets see what happens.

Posted by Matt November 22, 08 09:28 PM

Interesting that they IR'ed Alexander instead of Adalius Thomas. Seems they are really expecting Adalius to come back this season.

Posted by Tony November 22, 08 11:21 PM

I am so happy Redd got promoted. He won practice player of the week 3 times. He will have an impact greater than Woods

Posted by Kevin November 23, 08 12:01 AM

This move had to be made, Guyton should stay inside because he might be the future inside LB with Mayo (the speed of those two could get the Pats to the playoffs the next 5 years). Too bad Alexander will be remembered for being outmatched on his only start against Manning/Clark (137 yards) in the devastating AFC championship game, and hurting himself last year from celebrating with Woods on the sideline.

Posted by fuzzy1 November 23, 08 09:16 AM

I think this is a great move activating Redd and an investment for the defenses/special teams future. This would have been Crables shot if he hadn't been IR'd. I believe these 2 could be our future starting OLB's from the little we saw out of both Redd and Crable in pre-season....not getting to excited as they will need to prove themselves where and when it counts. Imagine the youth injection this linebacker core will have over the next 2 years...OLB Crable, ILB Mayo, ILB Guyton, OLB Redd (Redd may have to wait 3 more years if Thomas continues to play at the level he has)..I'm not convinced Woods is a starter on Defense although I give him credit vs Jets last week..Defensive line will begin to transition from prime career age to slightly old so should continue to strive for a top pick in the D-line...we have a history of developing 2nd tier corners and safetys into top tier DB's...put your trust in Belichick in that position

Posted by Tim D November 23, 08 09:30 AM

The big question with Vince Redd is will he be on the weekly 45 man game roster or will he be inactive. I do like the direction the team is going with these young and fast linebackers.

Posted by Craig November 23, 08 11:09 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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