Patriots add LB Trevor Reilly to active roster, sign NT Mike Purcell to practice squad

The Patriots promoted linebacker Trevor Reilly to the 53-man roster and signed former San Francisco nose tackle Mike Purcell to the practice squad.

BSJ analysis

The move gives the Patriots some added depth at the linebacker position; the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder out of Utah has now rotated almost completely through the AFC East, having spent time with the Jets (2014-15) and Dolphins (2016-17). This is technically his second tour with the Patriots — he was on New England’s practice squad for a couple of months last year before he was signed away by Miami.

Don’t expect Reilly to play a major role, but could be a nice depth addition who has special teams value — he led New York in special teams snaps in 2015.

As for Purcell, he’s a 26-year-old out of Wyoming who has been a part of the Niners, Rams, Bears and Panthers. The 6-foot-3, 328-pounder had his best year with San Francisco last season, when he played in 15 games and had 26 tackles and a forced fumble.