Bold headline first: The Patriots shake up their roster with strategic moves that could impact the rest of the season.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have announced a series of roster changes. They signed running back D’Ernest Johnson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and placed running back Terrell Jennings on injured reserve. In addition, defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.
Johnson, 29, has been a steady presence for New England, having been elevated to the active roster for three consecutive games this season. He saw action against Atlanta (Nov. 2), Tampa Bay (Nov. 9), and the New York Jets (Nov. 13). Entering his seventh NFL season, Johnson has previously spent time with the Cleveland Browns (2019–2022), Jacksonville Jaguars (2023–24), Baltimore Ravens (2025), and Arizona Cardinals (2025). The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back joined the NFL as a rookie free agent with Cleveland after playing at South Florida in 2019, remaining with the Browns through 2022. He signed with Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent in 2023, and later joined the Ravens in 2025. Earlier this season, Johnson spent time on the Ravens and Cardinals practice squads. He was released by Arizona from their practice squad on Oct. 28, 2025, after one game with the Cardinals, and then signed with New England on Oct. 29. Across 99 NFL games, Johnson has recorded three starts, 219 rushing attempts for 996 yards and 3 touchdowns, 53 receptions for 465 yards, and has returned 33 kicks for 772 yards.
Taylor, 23, joined the Patriots’ practice squad on Oct. 16, 2025. A rookie free agent signing from Miami (Fla.) with the New York Jets in 2024, he stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds. In 16 NFL games, Taylor has compiled 27 total tackles, 1½ sacks, and 2 passes defensed. He was released by the Jets on Oct. 14, 2025 after appearing in two games this season.
These roster moves underscore New England’s readiness to adapt on the fly as they push forward through the season, balancing depth at running back with help on the defensive line. The team will likely monitor Johnson’s workload closely as he fills in behind the primary backs, while Taylor’s elevation could provide additional interior pass rush and run-stopping options as needed.
What do you think these changes signal for the Patriots’ plans going forward? Do you see Johnson becoming a more central part of the backfield rotation, or are these moves primarily about special teams and depth? Share your thoughts in the comments.
