The Patriots are signing rookie cornerback Alex Austin to their 53-man roster Thursday, a source told the Herald’s Doug Kyed.

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The 6-foot-1, 191-pounder entered the league in April as a seventh-round pick of the Bills, who cut him at the end of training camp. Austin recently spent time on the Texans’ practice squad, but received his release on Wednesday. He’s appeared in three games this season, all with Houston, taking five defensive snaps and 14 on special teams.

He did not accrue any statistics. Austin fills the open spot created by Kendrick Bourne’s placement on injured reserve Tuesday. Bourne tore his right ACL during last weekend’s loss to Miami and is out for the season.

Austin joins Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Jack Jones, Myles Bryant and Shaun Wade on the team’s cornerback depth chart. Jonathan Jones is dealing with an ongoing knee injury that limited him in Wednesday’s practice.

As a prospect out of Oregon State, Austin clocked a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and tested below-average for his position in the vertical jump and broad jump. He recorded two interceptions last year, including a pick-six. During the draft process, he was well-regarded for his instincts and versatility in coverage.

Bleacher Report first reported the news of Austin’s signing.