With Mankins Hurt, Patriots Sign Petrus

Patriots LG Logan Mankins hobbled off the field with a lower leg injury Sunday against the Bills. RG Dan Connolly also left the game with an injury. The questionable status of two starting offensive linemen was enough motivation for the Patriots to make some roster moves.

The New England Patriots signed free agent OG Mitch Petrus to the roster Tuesday (Nov 13). Petrus assumes the roster spot created when the team released LB Jeff Tarpinian.

Petrus, a 2010 fifth-round pick of the New York Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft (147th overall), was released on Nov. 3 by the G-men. He appeared in 23 NFL games since turning pro.

The 6-foot-3, 315 pound Arkansas product was signed to shore up New England's offensive line, which has been battered by injuries. Both of New England's starting guards (Logan Mankins and Dan Connolly) left Sunday's game against Buffalo. Mankins has been fighitng leg injuries, and appeared to suffer another when he was caught in a pilup.  Connolly left the game with a back issue.

Donald Thomas filled in for Connolly at RG while Nick McDonald filled in for Mankins on the left side.  Petrus figures to remain as a reserve for now.

In addition to the Petrus move, the Patriots signed Tarpinian to the practice squad after he cleared waivers. To make room, the team released LB Jerrell Harris.