FOXBOROUGH – Michael Jordan wasn’t gone for long.

Three days after releasing the veteran guard, the Patriots are bringing the starter back. On Friday, the team signed Jordan to the practice squad and subsequently released tackle Jalen McKenzie.

Jordan, 26, started 11 games for the Patriots this season. He won the starting left guard job out of training camp and at one point, looked like one of the Patriots best offensive linemen. However, Jordan’s play declined over the last several weeks.

In the first seven weeks, Jordan allowed one sack and two quarterbacks. In the last two games, he’s matched those numbers, allowing one sack and two quarterback hits.

That’s why on Wednesday, the Patriots released Jordan after claiming veteran guard Lester Cotton off waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Cotton, 26, has experience at both guard spots. He’s started nine career games and played in 43 games with the Dolphins and Raiders.

Jordan signed with the Patriots this offseason on a futures contract. He came to New England with starting experience. He started 29 games in his first three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers.

By signing Jordan to the practice squad, the Patriots have options. The Patriots could elevate Jordan three times, meaning he could still start for the team. If the Patriots are going to make a change, the candidates to start at left guard are Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, Cotton, and Sidy Sow.

“Michael Jordan still has that one elevation left. We’ll get through today and make that decision tomorrow,” Jerod Mayo said on Friday. “The one thing I’ll say going back to versatility with a guy like Michael Jordan, he can play multiple positions, which is definitely valuable.”