FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have re-signed veteran defensive lineman Andre Carter
He had 10 sacks for the Patriots in 2011, his only season with them, and was chosen to his first Pro Bowl. He played for the Oakland Raiders in 2012, his 12th NFL season, but has been a free agent since being released Aug. 31.
The Patriots have been without starting defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly. Wilfork went on season-ending injured reserve on Oct. 3 with a torn right Achilles tendon. Kelly has missed the last two games with a knee injury.
“This place holds a special meaning,” Carter said. “Not just for as far as what I did, but just the camaraderie I had here in 2011, the town of Foxborough, the state.”
The Patriots also made two practice squad moves Wednesday, signing defensive tackle Sealver Siliga and releasing cornerback Travis Howard. On Monday, they waived defensive tackle Andre Neblett.
Carter said it is up to coaches whether he plays Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but added he felt good during Wednesday’s practice and is beginning to re-acclimate to a defense that has changed a bit since he left.
“As far as the scheme and stuff, there’s a few tweaks, but that’s the NFL in general,” he explained. “You can’t always run the same schemes year after year. You’ve got to constantly modify it because that’s the only way you’re going to get better and make plays.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the organization believed he could add to the team.
“He’s a hard-working guy that’s given us great leadership in the past and is a good teammate,” Belichick said. “I mean, everybody loves Andre.”
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