FOXBORO -- The Patriots’ secondary took another hit yesterday as the team placed cornerback Jason Webster on season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury.

The 31-year-old, nine-year veteran was recently re-signed by the team, brought back on Nov. 5 after rookie corner Terrence Wheatley suffered what proved to be a season-ending wrist injury against the Colts on Nov. 2. Webster was originally signed as a free agent by the Pats in March, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for much of training camp, meaning the coaching staff didn’t have much of an opportunity to evaluate his play. Webster was released at the end of August.

Webster was on the field as part of New England’s dime package against Pittsburgh, but played very little, likely due to the injury.

This is the second straight year Webster’s season has ended due to injury. Last year, after signing with Buffalo, he broke his arm in the season-opener.

Colvin

With Webster on IR, New England now has an open spot on its 53-man roster. One candidate for that opening is Rosevelt Colvin. The Boston Globe reported that the linebacker, who was a member of the Patriots from 2003-07, was at Gillette Stadium for a workout yesterday.

Colvin was released at the start of the offseason and was signed by Houston at the start of training camp. He was among the Texans’ final cuts.

Colvin’s potential return could mean that the injury Pierre Woods suffered against the Steelers — announced as a mouth injury — could be more serious. But even with a healthy Woods, New England is thin at outside linebacker since Adalius Thomas is on the shelf with a broken arm. Woods, Mike Vrabel and rookie Vince Redd are the only outside backers on the roster.

smanza@projo.com