The New England Patriots announced today that rookie offensive lineman Marcus Cannon has been activated to the active roster. The team also cut safety Ross Ventrone and resigned defensive back Malcolm Williams to practice squad.
The 23-year-old Cannon was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 138th selection overall out of Texas Christian University. He started in 36 of 49 games along the offensive line; 24 games at right offensive tackle and 12 on the left side. He also did not allow a sack in his final two seasons.
Many scouts believe he was first or second round talent before being diagnosed with Non-Hodkins Lymphoma. Now that he is recovered, Cannon looks to contribute to the Patriots and adds solid depth to the offensive line.
The release of Ventrone is not surprising, in fact, it seems the team makes a transaction involving the safety every week. I would expect to see him back around Foxborough in the near future.
Williams was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Texas Christian University. The 5-11, 200 pound defensive back, was released by the Patriots on Aug. 29, 2011 and has had two prior stints on the practice squad this season.
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