The Minnesota Vikings have officially added rookie offensive lineman Thomas Welch off their practice squad.

A seventh-round pick out of Vanderbilt by the New England Patriots, Welch signed with the Vikings' practice squad after being waived by the Patriots before the start of the regular season. To keep Welch, the Vikings have been paying him an elevated practice squad salary. ($6,000 per week, $800 above the minimum)

Welch will replace second-round cornerback Chris Cook, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Welch's elevation was originally announced last night by his agent, William Johnson of ProFiles Sports.