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The injury-riddled Patriots defense is bringing in reinforcements.

Andre Carter, the veteran defensive end who previously played for the Patriots in 2011, is returning to New England. According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, Carter plans to sign with the Patriots today.

The 34-year-old Carter had one of his best seasons in his prior stint in New England, recording 10 sacks, forcing two fumbles and being chosen to the Pro Bowl. But he didn’t return to New England in 2012 and ended up having a disappointing season in Oakland. The Raiders cut Carter this year at the end of the preseason.

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, Carter has had an up-and-down career: He has four different seasons of double-digit sack totals, but he also has five different seasons with fewer than five sacks. If the Patriots can get him to play the way he did for them the last time he was in New England, this is a mid-season signing that has the potential to upgrade their defense.