The Patriots have signed linebacker Thomas Williams to the practice squad. The club says in a statement released Tuesday that Williams joins the eight-man practice squad after cornerback Kyle Arrington was promoted to the 53-man roster over the weekend.

The 6-foot-1, 237 pounds Williams was originally a fifth-round draft pick by Jacksonville out of USC in 2008. He appeared in six games for the Jaguars as a rookie.

Williams was waived by Jacksonville before the start of the season and spent time on the Seattle and Houston practice squads.