Patriots Make Series Of Roster Moves Before 49ers Matchup

The Patriots made a series of roster moves prior to their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

New England announced a couple moves relating to the active roster Saturday, with cornerback Alex Austin being placed on injured reserve and cornerback Isaiah Bolden being signed off the practice squad to fill his spot. The Patriots also elevated defensive tackle Trysten Hill and tight end Mitchell Wilcox from the practice squad.

Hill has now been elevated twice.

Bolden's promotion to the active roster was somewhat expected -- at least from us -- as he can provide the secondary with added size against a large and physical San Francisco offense. Austin and Marco Wilson had been used as primary depth options in the secondary, so with a nagging injury to the former it made sense to add another body.

Bolden could play a legitimate role Sunday.

Wilcox and Hill should provide some depth in the trenches, as the Patriots are expected to try and control the clock by running the ball. Wilcox has not made a regular-season appearance for New England. Hill has appeared in two games over the last two seasons at One Patriot Place.