AP

The Patriots played without tight end Michael Hoomanawanui on Sunday night because of a knee injury against the Broncos and they made a move on Monday to assure that they wouldn’t have to play with just two tight ends this week if Hoomanawanui remains out.

The NFL’s daily transaction report brings word that the Patriots have signed tight end D.J. Williams. Williams played seven games for the Jaguars this year, starting once, after Jacksonville claimed him off of waivers from the Packers but was released earlier this month. He had no catches in those games and caught nine passes with the Packers during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

The Patriots also released a couple of players on Tuesday. Cornerback Justin Green was dropped a couple of days after making his NFL debut. Green, who played eight snaps against Denver, can return to the Patriots practice squad.

Defensive tackle Marcus Fortson was also let go. Fortson had three tackles in three games as a reserve on the defensive line.