Thomas

Welch

As expected, Welch was only on the roster for depth in the Monday night game. It’s a sign that RT Sebastian Vollmer (back) and G/C Ryan Wendell (calf) are nearing a return. Welch will likely head back to the Patriots’ practice squad.

With both RT Sebastian Vollmer (back) and G/C Ryan Wendell (calf) out for New England’s Week 1 tilt with the Dolphins, Welch should be in line to make his NFL debut. His stay on the roster is likely to be short.

Signed nine days ago, Welch worked as a sixth offensive lineman in jumbo packages against the Jets. Welch has practice squad eligibility remaining.

Welch, 25, appeared in five games with St. Louis last season and struggled mightily as a pass blocker. He’ll be only a camp body with Philadelphia.

Johnson, a 2010 seventh-rounder, was no longer needed after the additions of Cortland Finnegan and rookie Janoris Jenkins. Former Giants practice squad Jackson was placed on injured reserve last October, two weeks after signing. Welch was signed off the Patriots’ practice squad in November.

St. Louis is desperate for big bodies up front after losing both LT Rodger Saffold, RT Jason Smith, and reserve Mark LeVoir to injuries. Seattle DE Chris Clemons whipped raw rookie Kevin Hughes for three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Welch has been bouncing around practice squads and bottom of rosters ever since the Patriots took him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft. He has eight career games and one start under his belt. RT Erik Pears (groin) landed on injured reserve Tuesday.

With RT Sebastian Vollmer set to miss his second straight game Sunday, Welch will provide depth along the Patriots’ offensive line. Welch was active for New England’s Week 1 win over the Dolphins.

Second-team LT Thomas Welch bumped up to the first team. Unimpressed with Colin Brown and Doug Legursky at left guard, the Bills are seeking a workable left-side combination. Glenn was viewed by many as a guard before the 2012 draft. Welch, a practice squad talent, isn’t a realistic option to man left tackle.

Larsen, a converted defensive tackle at N.C. State, was a sixth-round pick. Welch, a seventh-rounder, was converted from tight end at Vanderbilt.