Pats sign G Mitch Petrus, add LB Tarpinian and release LB Harris from practice squad

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have signed guard Mitch Petrus to shore up their battered offensive line,

Petrus, released Nov. 3 after playing six games this season with the New York Giants, signed Tuesday after New England's starting guards left Sunday's 37-31 win over the Buffalo Bills with injuries. Logan Mankins hurt his left ankle, and Dan Connolly injured his back.

The Giants drafted Petrus in the fifth round out of Arkansas in 2010. He played 23 games for them, starting three.

The Patriots also made two practice squad moves involving linebackers, signing Jeff Tarpinian and releasing Jerrell Harris.