CINCINNATI -- The Patriots promoted rookie safety Kanorris Davis and rookie linebacker Ja’Gared Davis from their practice squad to fill the two open spots on their 53-man roster.

The promotions indicate that both players will likely be active for Sunday’s game against the Bengals. Their primary contributions figure to come on special teams.

Kanorris Davis had been promoted to the active roster on Sept. 28, and played on each of the “Big 4” special teams units in place of injured cornerback/punt-team gunner Marquice Cole. He was waived on Sept. 30 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.

With Cole limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury, and potentially unable to play Sunday, this could be a case of the Patriots making a move to address a short-term need.

Ja’Gared Davis (6-0, 238) spent training camp with the Houston Texans after signing with them as an undrafted free agent this year. The Patriots claimed him on waivers from the Texans on Aug. 28, and after waiving him Aug. 31, they re-signed him to the practice squad the next day.