SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Patriots placed cornerback Alex Austin on injured reserve and signed cornerback Isaiah Bolden to the 53-man roster from the practice squad on Saturday afternoon.
Austin suffered an ankle injury in the Patriots’ Week 3 loss to the Jets and didn’t practice all week leading up to the team’s Week 4 matchup against the 49ers. Bolden, a 2023 seventh-round pick who was waived the day after roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad, adds size and speed to the slot with his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame.
The secondary could need it going against 49ers slot receiver Jauan Jennings, who had three touchdowns in Week 3.
The Patriots also elevated tight end Mitchell Wilcox and defensive tackle Trysten Hill from the practice squad for Week 4. Wilcox could dress over rookie tight end Jaheim Bell. Wilcox is a better blocking option than Bell. He should help offensive tackles Demontrey Jacobs, Mike Onwenu and Caedan Wallace to block 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa.
Hill will provide depth behind starting defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Daniel Ekuale. The Patriots also have defensive tackles Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Eric Johnson on their 53-man roster.
The Patriots ruled out offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and left guard Michael Jordan on Friday.
