The Patriots on Saturday promoted defensive tackle Marcus Forston from the practice squad to the active roster and waived defensive tackle Andre Neblett, who was signed earlier this week.
Forston, originally an undrafted free agent for the team in 2012, made the active roster out of training camp last season before spending much of it on the practice squad.
With veteran defensive tackle Tommy Kelly ruled out for Sunday's contest, Forston is likely to see reps behind rookies Chris Jones and Joe Vellano, who project to play starting roles against the Saints.
Forston played in one game last season, though he did not record any statistics.
