Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Jack Westover

The New England Patriots had two open spots on their roster spot following Tuesday’s release of wide receiver John Jiles. The Patriots filled both of those spots on Wednesday. New England brought back offensive lineman Jerome Carvin, who had been with the practice squad at the start of the regular season before being released. They also added rookie tight end Jack Westover.

The two signings fill the Patriots’ practice squad with 17 players. New England has one open spot on their 53-man roster remaining.

Reintroducing Jerome Carvin

Adding Jerome Carvin makes sense due to the potential season-ending loss of center David Andrews. Carvin played center and guard in college and during his NFL preseason experience. He played collegiately for the Tennessee Volunteers, then was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carvin signed with Kansas City but was released at the end of training camp. He joined Chicago’s practice squad and spent his rookie season with the Bears. Chicago released him at the end of camp in 2024.

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The Patriots signed Carvin to their practice squad on August 29 before releasing him 12 days later to make room for Jaquelin Roy.

PFF gave Carvin an unimpressive grade of 49.2 this preseason. However, his low grade was negatively affected by committing three penalties over 128 offensive snaps. His pass-blocking grade of 77.7 was very good. If he can show an ability to protect the quarterback, there is potential for some playing time in New England this season.

Meet Jack Westover

Jack Westover signed with the New England Patriots practice squad as well on Wednesday. He was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2024 and spent training camp with the Seattle Seahawks. Westover becomes the fifth tight end on the Patriots roster. Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and Jaheim Bell are on the 53-man roster. Westover joins Mitchell Wilcox on the practice squad.

Westover enjoyed a five-year career with the Washington Huskies, appearing in 52 games. He finished his collegiate career with 87 receptions for 849 yards and six touchdowns. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention in 2023 when he caught 46 passes for 433 yards and four touchdowns. Westover helped the Huskies reach the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, where they fell to the Michigan Wolverines 34-13.

There are familiar faces for Jack Westover with the New England Patriots. He was a college teammate of rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. Wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes was an offensive consultant for Washington last season, and likely played a role in the tight end coming to New England.