Brown, serving as a slot corner, played in 45 of the 72 snaps Sunday in Dallas and has been New England’s most reliable choice early in the season to fill the void left by Kyle Arrington.
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Offensive tackle Cameron Fleming was promoted from the practice squad to take Brown’s spot on the 53-man roster.
Tarell Brown (foot) missed practice on Friday for the second day in a row, likely due to a foot injury, ESPN.com reports.
With Brown done for the year, the team has four young corners – Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, undrafted rookie Justin Coleman and recent pickup Rashaan Melvin. With Nate Solder added to injured reserve this week, adding Fleming for depth makes sense.
The Patriots’ issues at cornerback have continued. Opposing quarterbacks completed seven passes on 14 targets against Brown for 70 yards. Along with Brown and Fletcher, the Patriots also signed veteran cornerbacks Robert McClain, Derek Cox and Chimdi Chekwa, all of whom were cut, this offseason. Roberts was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury at the end of training camp. The Patriots previously tried to claim Cooper when he was waived by the 49ers, but the Chiefs had priority in 2013.
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The Patriots cornerback is absent from another practice and the team might not be able to wait for his return.
