The Patriots have waived defensive lineman Ron Brace and promoted two players, wide receiver Kamar Aiken and defensive back Malcolm Williams, from the practice squad, according to a league source. In addition, defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, who finished serving a four-game suspension in Week 16, was activated to the 53-man roster.
Brace, a 2009 second-round pick, had four tackles in 10 games played this season. He has been inactive in recent weeks, and was primarily a reserve defensive lineman throughout his tenure with the team.
Aiken was promoted from the practice squad in advance of last week's game, but was subsequently waived on Monday and re-added to the practice squad. He gives the Patriots depth at the receiver spot, where they previously had just four wideouts.
Williams has also spent time on the active roster this season, and adds depth to the secondary and on special teams. Key special teamer and reserve cornerback Marquice Cole is doubtful for Sunday's regular-season finale, and Williams could be called upon to fill his role.
The move to activate Cunningham comes as no surprise, as his suspension had been lifted and he was the team's top reserve defensive end and a key interior rusher in sub-defense packages before it.
The Patriots now have a full 53-man active roster and two open practice squad slots.
