The New England Patriots announced Saturday that they have activated Logan Mankins for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, and a source told the Boston Herald that the two-time Pro Bowl guard could start.
Mankins, a 2005 first-round draft pick out of Fresno State, reported to the Patriots this week after holding out for the first seven games of the season in search of a better contract. He didn't receive one, so he signed his restricted free-agent tender Tuesday.
Mankins, a Pro Bowl pick in 2007 and 2009, practiced with the Patriots' first-team offensive line all week, the Boston Globe reported. Mankins has started all 80 NFL games in which he has played.
Backup guard Dan Connolly has started in Mankins' place all season.
To make roster room for Mankins, oft-injured cornerback Terrence Wheatley was released. Also, linebacker Tyrone McKenzie was released from the practice squad, a move the Herald reported came at the player's request.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
