Visanthe Shiancoe could make his debut for the Patriots as soon as next week. (US Presswire)

Patriots coach Bill Belichick spent the offseason collecting tight ends at a rate that almost could have been considered hoarding. But a rash of injuries quickly depleted his stable, leaving the New England Patriots with little more than Rob Gronkowski and Daniel Fells for most of the first half of the season.

Finally, though, it appears that the cavalry is coming back. Aaron Hernandez, who has been battling an ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, is nearing a return, and Visanthe Shiancoe could soon follow.

Placed on short-term injured reserve in Week 1 with an undisclosed injury, Shiancoe returned to practice Oct. 23 and has shown steady progress each day, leading to speculation that he could return next week.

“I’d say he’s moving well," Belichick said. "He had an opportunity to actually run some of our plays on Thursday, did some scout teams the week before, the St. Louis week. We’ll give it another week here and see how it goes. But I think he’s making progress. It’s good to see him out there.”

The Patriots have until Monday at 4 p.m. to add him to the active roster or put him on season-ending injured reserve. If New England chooses to activate him, the 32-year-old Shiancoe’s addition could potentially lead to Michael Hoomanawanui’s release.

Hernandez gets a gift: Hernandez welcomed his daughter, Avielle, into the world to celebrate his 23rd birthday with him Tuesday. The tight end’s brother, DJ, broke the news earlier in the day on Twitter.

Keeping up with the P-squad: New England filled the final spot on its practice squad by signing former Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris Tuesday.

The 23-year-old started five games last season alongside first-round pick Dont’a Hightower and finished with 22 tackles.

Harris (6-foot-3, 242 pounds) was released by Atlanta at the end of training camp before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad on Sept. 26. He was again released on Oct. 25.

He joins FB James Develin, WR Jarred Fayson, DL Marcus Forston, OL Matt Kopa, CB Sterling Moore, WR Greg Salas and OL Jeremiah Warren on the Patriots’ practice squad.

Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSPats or @nick_underhill.