FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The New England Patriots signed rookie linebacker Vince Redd to the active roster from their practice squad today. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Redd will wear number 49 for the Patriots. New England also placed linebacker Eric Alexander on the reserve/injured list. Alexander will miss the remainder of the 2008 season with a hamstring injury. Additionally, the Patriots downgraded running back LaMont Jordan and cornerback Mike Richardson to "OUT" on their injury report for tomorrow's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Redd, 23, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Liberty on May 2, 2008. The 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound linebacker was released by the Patriots in the final preseason roster cutdown on Aug. 30, 2008 and was signed to the Patriots' practice squad the following day. Redd has been a member of the Patriots' practice squad for the entire season up to this point and has not played in an NFL game. He began his college career at the University of Virginia (2004-05) before transferring to Liberty, where he finished his college career in 2007.
Alexander, 26, has played in 31 NFL games with the Patriots since being signed as a rookie free agent out of Louisiana State on April 29, 2004. The 6-foot-2-inch, 240-pound linebacker played in one game this season, against Kansas City on Sept. 7, and did not record any statistics. In his NFL career, Alexander has recorded eight tackles (7 solo) and 26 special teams tackles. He has also played in six playoff games with one start and has totaled 10 solo playoff tackles, including one sack. Last season, Alexander placed fourth on the team with a career-high 14 special teams tackles.