Patriots Reportedly Waive Pair Of Offensive Players, Sign Defender

The Patriots don't have the time or resources to make any significant improvements to the roster, but they have made marginal upgrades on both sides of the ball.

New England reportedly made four roster moves Friday; signing safety A.J. Thomas and offensive lineman Kellen Diesch, and waiving running back Deshaun Fenwick and offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Diesch's addition was reported Friday morning. Thomas, Fenwick and Wheatley's roster moves were reported by Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.

Thomas comes in with a legitimate chance at making the roster, coming off an All-UFL season with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League. He led the league with three interceptions and could push Jaylinn Hawkins as the primary depth option behind Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers and Marte Mapu.

Fenwick was initially signed as an undrafted free agent in May, and made a minimal impact throughout training camp. Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty and Terrell Jennings all repped ahead of him in the competition for the third roster spot in the running back room behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.

Wheatley, who spent the majority of last season on injured reserve, appeared in two total games during his tenure in New England. The Patriots didn't utilize him in many competitive team drills, mostly rotating him in with Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III's offensive groupings.

New England's roster is at 91.