The Patriots have designated Nordin (abdomen) to return from IR, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.
Veteran kicker Nick Folk has been having a strong campaign for the Patriots, but he has been managing (and playing through) a left knee issue, with Cox suggesting that the move is likely is a way to get Nordin some practice reps while lightening Folk's load in the process. With that in mind, Nordin has a 21 day-window before the team would need to add him to the 53-man roster or have him revert him to season-ending IR if that doesn't happen.