According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, the New England Patriots have promoted defensive back Malcolm Williams off the practice squad and onto the team's roster. Reiss is also reporting that recently released defensive lineman Alex Silvestro will be taking his place on the practice squad.
The need for Williams comes after the team learned that they may be without special teams ace and backup linebacker Tracy White, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.
Williams was drafted in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Patriots as a cornerback out of TCU. He has played one game for the Patriots this year, serving on several of the Patriots special teams units. Williams gets the nod over journey man Ross Ventrone, who would have exhausted his practice squad eligibility for his entire career.
As for Silvestro, this will be his second go-around with the Pats this season. Silvestro was promoted to the 53-man roster last weekend against the Miami Dolphins, where he spent time on both the Patriots defensive line and special teams unit. The undrafted rookie out of Rutgers will join Dorin Dickerson, Garrett Mills, Matt Kopa, Aaron Lavarias, Markell Carter, Mike Rivera and Ross Ventrone on the Patriots practice squad.
For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit