Patriots sign 2 interior offensive linemen in wake of preseason opener

The New England Patriots bolstered their interior offensive line roster following the preseason opener. The team signed Darrian Dalcourt and Joe Michalski on Saturday, in response to attrition in the trenches. New coach Mike Vrabel had previously hinted that two signings were imminent. Both Dalcourt and Michalski, who are 25 years old, have impressive resumes despite not being drafted.

Dalcourt played center and guard for Alabama, starting 19 of 39 games, while Michalski started 35 of 59 games for Oklahoma State. Michalski played as a center for the Dallas Cowboys and was released early in the season. The Patriots placed Rupcich on season-ending injured reserve and waived long snapper Niko Lalos to accommodate the new signings.

Rupcich, 27, had appeared in 12 games and started two for the Tennessee Titans before returning to New England. Lalos, 28, filled in as the Patriots' long snapper for the season opener before being waived.