The New England Patriots have been busy reshaping the back end of their roster, making a series of practice squad moves that could have real implications down the stretch. With the season wearing on and injuries piling up, depth becomes more than just a luxury-it’s a necessity. And the Patriots are clearly looking to fortify every layer of the roster heading into the final stretch.
Let’s start with the subtractions. Wide receiver Brandon Smith, offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez, and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett were all released from the practice squad.
None of the three had been elevated to the active roster this season, so their exits don’t come as a major shock. These are the types of moves that often fly under the radar but open doors for players who might be better fits for the current moment.
Running back D’Ernest Johnson was also released from the active roster-but in a move that speaks to his value, the Patriots quickly brought him back on the practice squad. Johnson has been a steady presence this year, stepping in as the third back after injuries to Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings.
He’s also handled kick return duties, averaging 25.6 yards per return-solid production in a role that often gets overlooked. On the ground, he’s logged 14 carries for 25 yards.
Not eye-popping numbers, but his versatility and experience make him a reliable option to have in the wings.
Among the new additions, cornerback Miles Battle is back in Foxborough after a brief release. The former Utah standout has already seen action in five games this season, and with Christian Gonzalez currently in concussion protocol, Battle could be called upon again soon. His familiarity with the system gives him a leg up if the Patriots need to make a quick elevation.
The team also brought in three fresh faces: offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, wide receiver Trent Sherfield, and edge rusher Darrell Taylor.
Metz is a name to file away for the future. At 6-foot-9 and 335 pounds, the former Cincinnati Bearcat and German international is a physical specimen. He entered the league in 2023 with the Bears and, while he’s still developing, his sheer size and upside make him a player to watch once the offseason rolls around.
Sherfield, on the other hand, brings a bit more immediate intrigue. The 29-year-old has bounced around the league, suiting up for both the Broncos and Cardinals this season.
While he only recorded three catches for 21 yards this year, he’s not far removed from a solid 2022 campaign with the Dolphins, where he put up 417 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Across his career, he’s totaled 89 catches for 1,034 yards and six scores.
That kind of experience could come in handy, especially if the Patriots need a dependable option behind their top wideouts. With Jeremiah Webb recently elevated but not seeing the field, Sherfield’s veteran savvy could give him the edge in the pecking order.
But the most intriguing addition might be Darrell Taylor. A second-round pick in 2020, Taylor flashed real pass-rushing potential during his early years in Seattle, racking up 21.5 sacks over his first three seasons-including a standout 9.5-sack campaign in 2022.
He was traded to Chicago following the Seahawks’ coaching change, and while he made a splash in Week 1 with two sacks and a forced fumble, things quickly cooled off. Taylor didn’t register another sack in 2024 and later landed in Houston, where he appeared in four games before being waived from injured reserve earlier this week.
Now, he lands in New England with something to prove-and the timing couldn’t be more interesting. With the Patriots set to face the Texans, Taylor could be in line for a revenge game against the team that just let him go.
If he’s elevated to the active roster, expect him to bring some extra juice off the edge. The Patriots’ pass rush could use a spark, and Taylor’s skill set as a pure edge hunter might be exactly what they need.
None of these moves will dominate headlines, but that doesn’t mean they’re insignificant. In the NFL, the difference between a playoff run and an early exit can come down to depth, matchups, and who’s ready when their number is called. The Patriots are making sure they’ve got options-and a few of these new additions could end up playing meaningful snaps when it matters most.