Patriots sign safety, waive running back ahead of preseason opener

The Patriots signed safety Malik Gant prior to Tuesday’s public training camp practice inside Gillette Stadium. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was first to report the news.

To make room for Gant on the 90-man roster, the Pats waived running back Tyler Gaffney, first reported by Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

Gant originally signed with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie out of Marshall in 2019. He spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve, then was waived before the start of 2020 training camp.

The safety got some light work in with the scout team defense during 11-on-11 drills, helping the Pats get ready for the preseason opener. The Patriots face the Washington Football Team on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium, starting at 7:30 p.m.

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  FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28, 2021: Mac Jones #50 watches teammate Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

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  FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 30: Mac Jones #50 smiles as he throws during Training Camp at Gillette Stadium on July 30, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

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  Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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  Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

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  FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 29, 2021: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots passes the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 29, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

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  Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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  FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28, 2021: Nelson Agholor #13 of the New England Patriots warms up during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

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  Jul 28, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots receiver Nelson Agholor (13) catches a pass during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

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