Patriots sign Shane Zylstra and settle with rookies Jimmy Kibble and Eric Butler

The New England Patriots finalized their 17-man practice squad on Wednesday by signing veteran tight end Shane Zylstra. Zylstra, a 29-year-old with 35 games of NFL experience, joins the organization following previous stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills. In a concurrent roster move, the team reached injury settlements with rookie wide receiver Jimmy Kibble and rookie safety Eric Butler. Both players were previously waived with injury designations and are now subject to the league's claiming process before becoming free agents. The Patriots currently maintain seven players on injured reserve, including four ruled out for the season and three eligible to return after a mandatory four-game absence. These transactions complete the club’s initial practice squad composition ahead of the regular season.

• 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — Patriots sign tight end Shane Zylstra to practice squad, reach settlements with two rookies