FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that T Zach Thomas has been released from the 53-man roster. In addition, the Patriots signed LB Monty Rice to the practice squad and released C Bryan Hudson from the practice squad.
Thomas, 26, was claimed off waivers by New England from the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 28, 2024. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick (186th overall) of the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft out of San Diego State. He began his rookie season on the practice squad before being signed by the Los Angeles Rams to the 53-man roster from the Chicago practice squad on Nov. 18, 2022. He saw action in one game in 2022. Thomas spent part of the 2023 season on the practice squad and the 53-man roster for the Rams and saw action in two games. He was released by the Rams on Aug. 27, 2024. Thomas played in eight games as a reserve with the Patriots.
Rice, 25, originally entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick (92nd overall) by Tennessee in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Georgia. The 6-foot, 223-pounder, played in 35 games for the Titans with 10 starts and accumulated 110 total tackles, 2 passes defensed and 18 special teams tackles. Rice was released by Tennessee on Dec. 5, 2023 and was claimed off waivers by New Orleans on Dec. 6, 2023. Rice was inactive for five games with the Saints. He went to training camp with New Orleans this past summer and spent the beginning of the year on the Atlanta practice squad before being released on Oct. 21, 2024.
Hudson, 23, was signed by New England to the practice squad on Aug. 29, 2024. The 6-foot-5, 301-pounder, was signed by Detroit as a rookie free agent out of Louisville on May 10, 2024. He was released by Detroit on Aug. 26, 2024. He was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad for the game vs. Miami on Oct. 6 but did not play in the game. Hudson played in 60 games with 41 starts at center, guard and tackle during his five-year college career.
