FOXBORO — The Patriots released veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell on Wednesday.

Purcell, 33, was not present for Wednesday’s practice. The Patriots signed Purcell on Aug. 1 after defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. The 6-foot-3, 328-pounder was serving as depth behind Davon Godchaux at nose tackle.

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This was Purcell’s second stint with the Patriots. He was also on the team’s practice squad briefly in 2017.

The Patriots are left with Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Trysten Hill, Armon Watts, Sam Roberts and Josiah Bronson at defensive tackle.

Traditionally, the Patriots typically keep around five defensive tackles on their 53-man roster. Godchaux and Ekuale look like locks for roster spots, while Pharms has had a strong summer. Hill, Watts, Roberts and Bronson still might be competing for one or two spots on the roster. Defensive tackle is also a spot where the Patriots should be looking to fill depth through the waiver wire.