The Patriots added two familiar faces Tuesday in a roster reshuffling.
The team re-signed offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. to the 53-man roster off the Browns’ practice squad, re-signed guard Bill Murray to their practice squad, placed cornerback Alex Austin on injured reserve and released running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad.
This is Munford’s second stint with the Patriots. He was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad before the season but was signed away to the Browns’ 53-man roster. Munford, 26, was waived by the Browns last month and re-signed to their practice squad. Now he reunites again with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who coached him for two seasons on the Raiders. Munford started 18 games with the Raiders between 2022 and 2024, seeing time at both left and right tackle.
Murray, 28, began his pro career with the Patriots in 2020 as a defensive tackle. He converted to the offensive line in 2022 and has since spent time with the Bears.
Austin has appeared in all 12 games for the Patriots this season, starting two. Since Christian Gonzalez came back from an early-season hamstring injury, most of Austin’s snaps have come on special teams.
Ward has had two stints on the Patriots’ practice squad. Running back depth is less of a necessity with Rhamondre Stevenson back from a toe injury.
Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and rookie left guard Jared Wilson (ankle) both suffered injuries in Sunday’s win over the Bengals. The Patriots now have four healthy tackles on their 53-man roster in Munford, right tackle Morgan Moses, Vederian Lowe and rookie Marcus Bryant.
With Wilson injured, the Patriots will rely on Ben Brown at left guard and Mike Onwenu at right guard. The team also has Caedan Wallace on their 53-man roster. Murray joins offensive linemen Sebastian Gutierrez, Brenen Jaimes and Andrew Rupcich on the practice squad.