Nick

McDonald

It could be a sign that Dan Connolly (groin, questionable) won’t be a go against the Colts. Among the Patriots’ final cuts in September, McDonald will be making his NFL debut if he’s active on Sunday.

Dennard was a late addition to the injury report, and will not travel with the team. McDonald returned to practice Thursday after missing nearly two weeks with a shoulder injury, and is behind Ryan Wendell as the backup to Logan Mankins and Donald Thomas.

A 2010 undrafted free agent, McDonald appeared in 12 games last season, making one start. It’s a bit surprising to see him cut loose at this stage of camp. Perhaps the Pats wanted to give him a chance to latch on elsewhere before the preseason starts. McDonald is an end-of-roster talent.

McDonald sat out the entire season after being released by the Patriots in training camp. He appeared in 16 games with New England from 2011-2012, making three starts. The Chargers also signed OT Nick Benton, LB Terrell Manning, TE Ryan Otten, WR Tobias Palmer, and RB Kerwynn Williams to futures deals earlier this week.

McDonald appeared in eight games (seven starts) after Alex Mack went down last year. He’s currently recovering from an undisclosed knee injury. McDonald should resurface as interior line depth when healthy.

The 27-year-old former UDFA was a roster long shot all along.

The Browns knew about McDonald’s 4-6 week recovery timetable when they claimed him off waivers from the Chargers. His status for Week 1 is unclear.

TE Gerell Robinson was waived in a corresponding move. With Alex Mack done for the season, McDonald will likely start at center for the Browns on Sunday against the Raiders. McDonald has not played in a regular-season game since 2012.

“I hope he’s ready,” said McCarthy. “I think he could be one of those guys when you say, ‘Who made the biggest jump from Year 1 to Year 2?’” Colledge is fully expected to test free agency, leaving T.J. Lang as McDonald’s top competition. McDonald is a former undrafted player from Grand Valley State.

McDonald was supposed to be in the running for the left guard spot left vacant by Daryn Colledge’s loss, but he never made his mark. The Packers are moving forward with T.J. Lang there, and first-round pick Derek Sherrod behind him.