The New England Patriots announced Friday they have signed offensive lineman Chris Barker to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, they released rookie lineman Sean Hickey.
Barker, 25, originally joined the Patriots when he was claimed off waivers from Miami in early September of 2013. The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder, entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Miami Dolphins out of Nevada earlier that year. He played in four games as a rookie in 2013 with the Patriots. Last season, he spent the majority of the year on the New England practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster for two games in October.
Hickey, 24, was signed to the Patriots practice squad earlier this month. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with New Orleans out of Syracuse in May. The 6-foot-6, 306-pounder, was released by the Saints at the end of training camp.
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