The Patriots signed former Rams tight end Michael Hoomanawanui to the 53-man roster, according to his agent, Rick Smith.
The last name is pronounced "Oh-oh-mah-NAH-wah-NEW-ee."
Hoomanawanui was signed from Redskins' practice squad, so he has to be on the Patriots' roster for at least 3 weeks.
Interesting that at about 6-4, 260 pounds and 4.7 speed, Hoomanawanui is actually more of a Y tight end in the mold of Rob Gronkowski, than the smaller, faster F that Aaron Hernandez plays.
He has 20 catches for 229 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons.
Hoomanawanui played in Josh McDaniels' offense with the Rams, so he should be able to slide right in as far as the terminology.
The Patriots will have to make a roster move. It's possible they will slide tight end Visanthe Shiancoe to the new in-season injured reserve spot.
That, however, comes with a drawback. You only get one spot. If someone like Tom Brady or Vince Wilfork is down for two months -- but could return for the playoffs -- the Patriots would either have to keep them on the roster, or end their season by putting them on injured reserve.
Former Browns, Buccaneers and Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow just started his visit with the Patriots. It appears that is a fact-finding mission to update the team's emergency lists, but a signing can't be ruled out.
The Patriots also brought back receiver Kerry Taylor to the practice squad.