Patriots put Shea McClellin on IR, bring back Brandon Bolden
Two days after being released on NFL cut day, running back and special teamer Brandon Bolden was back on the practice field for the Patriots Monday.
The Patriots placed linebacker Shea McClellin on injured reserve, which freed up a spot for Bolden. McClellin missed most of the preseason.
Teams can bring back two players from IR this season, but they must be out at least six weeks before returning to practice. Per NFL rules, McClellin could return from IR only if he is on the 53-man roster for a day, so the Patriots kept him on the roster through cutdown day.
Bolden has played five seasons in New England and was fifth or sixth on the running back depth chart, although he has been an effective special teams player. He has appeared in 67 regular-season games and has 203 carries for 845 yards and six touchdowns.
McClellin is in his sixth season in the NFL. He played in 14 games last season for the Patriots, and spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears from 2012-15.
The Patriots also signed receiver Demarcus Ayers and defensive end Angelo Blackston to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Darius Kilgo.
