The New England Patriots announced that third-year cornerback Jonathan Wilhite has been placed on injured reserve.

Wilhite, a former fourth-round pick out of Auburn, started one of nine games this season, but has missed the last four weeks with a hamstring injury.

In 39 carer games, including 13 starts, Wilhite has 93 tackles and 3 interceptions.

To replace Wilhite, the Patriots confirmed the signing of defensive lineman Louis Leonard, which was originally reported by Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Leonard (6-4, 325) opened the 2010 season with the Carolina Panthers, who had tendered the restricted free agent at the "Second Round" level. Released by the Panthers after Week 3, Leonard has two tackles on the season.

A former undrafted free agent from Fresno State, Leonard has 33 tackles and a quarterback sack in 24 career games with the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Panthers. Leonard projects to the end position in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment, and will add depth to a line that has been without Myron Pryor and Mike Wright in recent weeks.