FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Thin along the offensive line, the Patriots claimed rookie guard Mark Wetterer on waivers from the Bengals today. To make room for Wetterer on the roster, the club waived safety Ross Ventrone.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Wetterer signed with his hometown Bengals as a free agent after going undrafted. He started 28 games for Louisville over his college career and was a first-team All Big East selection in 2010.
The Patriots are battling injuries along the offensive line, with starting right guard Dan Connolly (right elbow) and veteran backup Chris Morris (possible left ankle) not finishing practice on Monday. Meanwhile, top backup center/guard Ryan Wendell has been sidelined by a calf injury since the early days of camp.
This led to tackle Mark LeVoir taking reps at right guard during Tuesday's practice.
Ventrone, a favorite of coach Bill Belichick, has also been sidelined with an injury and could return when healthy if he clears waivers (which is likely).